“Ask the referee…” – Pep Guardiola responds to controversial red card decision in first half of FA Cup final | OneFootball

Manchester City ended their season without silverware for the first time since 2017, following a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. Pep Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest when asked about a controversial first-half moment, in which Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside the box but avoided a red card.

“Ask the referee,” Guardiola said tersely when questioned about the incident.

Dean Henderson was a standout performer for Palace, making several key saves to preserve their lead. However, Pep Guardiola dismissed any suggestions of time-wasting from the goalkeeper, instead pointing to his team’s shortcomings in front of goal.

“He defends his position, and we defend our position. In the last few minutes, everyone can do whatever they want, but we must score goals.”

“We didn’t lose because Henderson was time-wasting. In the last minute, I understand that. But after it’s true, they give them nine or ten minutes extra time, so it’s that. But it’s a question of rhythm, you know, it’s not fair to let 22 players play, play, play.”

On Omar Marmoush stepping up to take the penalty instead of Erling Haaland, the City boss added: “They decided on the pitch.”

Claudio Echeverri made his club debut in the FA Cup final, and Guardiola was pleased with the 19-year-old’s performance on such a big stage.

“I want to be honest. It was not a bad decision. The way he played, and the chances that he had. He had three chances in small spaces. I thought that I knew he was special because I saw him in the training sessions. He was in the FA Cup final.”