‘if it’s not offside then it’s a penalty’ – Pep Guardiola makes admission over Rodri handball call

Pep Guardiola has admitted Everton should have been given a penalty against Manchester City if Richarlison was in an onside position before the incident.

Everton were denied a penalty against Man City on Saturday evening after it seemed Rodri had handled the ball inside the penalty area.

Guardiola said after the game that he thought it had not been given as the VAR Chris Kavanagh spotted an offside against Richarlison just before the incident.

Initial guidance from the Premier League suggested that any potential offside was not the reason behind the Blues’ claim being denied.

Guardiola was asked at today’s press conference ahead of the FA Cup what he thought, having had chance to watch it again.

The Man City manager admitted that it should have been a penalty – but only if Richarlison was onside from the initial pass by Dele Alli.

When asked if the incident could dictate the course of the season, the Man City boss remarked: “This episode will dictate the whole season? For sure I will review a lot of incidents, my friend!

“What I will say is the pass by Dele Alli looks like it’s offside to Richarlison, if it’s not offside then it’s a penalty.”