'We are used to it' - should Man City have been awarded a penalty?

Pep Guardiola made a beeline for referee Sam Barrott at full-time on Saturday evening after Manchester City's Premier League loss at Newcastle.

Following a contest packed with contentious decisions, that particular act from the Spaniard could be seen coming a mile away.

City felt they were on the wrong end of a penalty call, a handball shout and a tight offside decision as they suffered a damaging loss which leaves them third in the table - four points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more.

However, Guardiola was in no mood to discuss refereeing decisions after the match.

Asked by BBC Sport what conversation had taken place with Barrott, Guardiola looked to keep his emotions in check and simply replied: "Nothing. Everything is fine."

Sky Sports reported that Guardiola went into the referee's room at St James' Park after the game - and pushed on this issue he again said "everything is fine" and "it is what it is".

This is now Man City's worst start to a season for five years and and second-worst under Guardiola.

City, who currently trail leaders Arsenal by four points having played a game more, did win the title with just 20 points after 12 games in 2020-21 - two fewer points than they have now.

At 0-0 on 18 minutes, Phil Foden found his way into the box and struck a shot which went wide.

Newcastle defender Schar had come flying across and caught the City midfielder on the left ankle with his studs, leaving him writhing in pain.

Referee Barrott, though, awarded only a goal-kick for the hosts and video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson agreed with the on-field decision.

According to the Premier League's handbook, if "contact is inevitable" between defender and attacker then "play should typically be allowed to continue".

However, the law also states that when "contact is either reckless (yellow card) or serious foul play (red card) then a penalty kick and appropriate sanction is the expected outcome".

On this occasion, Barrott deemed Schar's challenge not to be reckless - but pundits were split on the decision.

"I think it's a penalty," former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

"The referee might have looked at the fact he has got his shot away before the contact, but the Schar challenge has impacted Foden's set-up for the shot and then there's contact. It's a foul."

Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't think Schar gets the ball, but I don't think it's a penalty.

"I don't think he does enough."

Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports "there is contact" but what had saved Schar is the fact Foden had already taken his shot.

"I don't think it is enough to overturn," he added.