Pep Guardiola has claimed there is a difference in the standards of refereeing between the Premier League and the Champions League.
The comments came after another controversial weekend of Premier League decisions, with Guardiola’s former colleague Mikel Arteta left enraged by the awarding of Newcastle’s winning goal as Arsenal suffered a first league defeat of the season.
“There is a little bit of difference, for example, handball. A few things but I don’t know…. I have the feeling in every country there is confusion about things”, said the City boss.
“Emotions after the game, feelings are so so high. It’s difficult to handle it. I am talking about me, not Mikel Arteta or any other manager.
“They decide we cannot talk to the fourth officials, we cannot do anything. It did not change much from last season.
“It is such a sensitive issue right now. What happened in many games. It’s difficult for the referee and us too.”
The City boss confirmed that Erling Haaland is a doubt for the game, after being substituted at half time in the 6-1 thrashing of Bournemouth.
Guardiola may be keen to rest the star striker, as City travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea on Sunday.
“I can’t [give you an update]. He trains this afternoon so I don’t know. We’ll speak with the doctors. Yesterday he said he feels much better, but I don’t know.”
