Story byBernardo Silva issues thinly-veiled dig at match referees following latest Manchester City controversyCity XtraWed, January 14, 2026 at 8:30 AM UTC·3 min readManchester City captain Bernardo Silva has issued a thinly-veiled dig at match referees and the standard of officiating in contests involving his side. The comments come on the back of a significant 0-2 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final – a result that puts Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control of the tie. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGoals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki ensured City returned to Manchester with a commanding advantage, continuing the momentum built from the 10-1 demolition of Exeter in the FA Cup third round at the weekend. Once again, Semenyo proved to be at the heart of City’s attacking threat, already establishing himself as a decisive figure following a debut that brought both a goal and an assist, and now a crucial opener on Tyneside. The Ghanaian’s rapid impact has been impressive, and underlines why manager Guardiola was keen to accelerate his signing for the first-team this month. Despite Manchester City’s control of the contest on Tuesday night, Newcastle created early danger, striking the woodwork twice and forcing James Trafford into an outstanding save, highlighting how fine the margins were in the opening stages. City gradually asserted authority and looked capable of extending their lead further, particularly through Semenyo. Converting from a corner-kick routine, the former Bournemouth forward’s finish from close range would be ruled out through VAR and referee Chris Kavanagh following a near-six minute review of an Erling Haaland offside during the goal. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking to television broadcasters after Manchester City’s 0-2 win over Newcastle, Bernardo Silva was keen to point out how the margin of victory should have been greater had it not have been for referee intervention.“It should have been 0-3, but we’re quite used to this at the moment,” the Portugal international said, in what many will perceive to be a dig at the match officials themselves.“I don’t know what to say,” he continued.
