Sideline Sparks: Guardiola’s Verbal Duel with Brighton’s Boss Over a VAR Call
7 January 2026
Spat Between Pep Guardiola and Brighton's Boss Over a VAR Call
Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton on Wednesday as a heated exchange unfolded between managers Pep Guardiola and Fabian Horzelr after a disputed VAR decision.
City missed the chance to briefly sit top of the Premier League table after the 21st-round clash.
Erling Haaland scored from the spot in the 41st minute for City, while Kaoru Mitoma equalized for Brighton in the 60th.
According to Mundo Deportivo, television cameras captured a sharp back-and-forth between Guardiola and Horzelr over the penalty awarded after VAR review.
Near the end of the first half, a knee collision between Diogo Gomes and Jeremi Doku occurred as the latter tried to beat him.
The referee initially did not award a penalty, but he did after VAR checks.
It remains unclear what was said between the Catalan coach and the Brighton boss, but Guardiola appeared visibly furious.
Date: 8 January 2026.
Punchline 1: If VAR had a sense of humor, today would be its funniest day.
Punchline 2: In this sport, the only thing sharper than Haaland's finish? The coaches' on-pitch chatter.
