It’s Annoying – Guardiola Criticizes Referee As Arsenal Win FA Community Shield

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized the referee changes after Arsenal’s dramatic victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

City took the lead through Cole Palmer in the 77th minute, but Leandro Trossard equalized in the 11th minute of stoppage time, after his shot was missed by Manuel Akanji.

Referee Stuart Atwell initially added eight minutes at the end of the match, but this time was extended due to headers in that period by Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey.

To reduce time loss, referees were instructed to add time for any delays in the match. Speaking after the match, Guardiola said the changes could have a profound impact on matches.

He said: “It is not annoying; we have to get used to it. I had the feeling, not because we were winning 1-0, it was just the fact I had the feeling that much didn’t happen to extend by eight minutes.

“But it is a good question for the [rule-making International Football Association Board] and all the people because they don’t consult the managers; they don’t consult the players.

“Whatever their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure.”