Schalke vs Manchester City: Pep Guardiola claims he is a ‘big fan’ of VAR after controversial penalty

Defused after seeing his Manchester City side pull off a remarkable comeback, Pep Guardiola claimed he is a "big fan" of VAR after a controversial first-half penalty was awarded against his side.

City produced a stunning 3-2 comeback at the Vetlins Arena, spurred by Leroy Sane's stunning free-kick. However, after Sergio Aguero had given them an early lead in the Champions League round of 16 tie, Schalke’s Daniel Caligiuri saw his goalbound shot blocked by Nicolas Otamendi’s arm.

The Argentinian was attempting to reel his body out of the ball’s flight path, but after the decision was referred to VAR, Schalke were given a penalty after three minutes’ deliberation by the referee.

It was later revealed that the pitchside TV screen was not working, so the official could not check the incident himself, with the pause provoking outrage from the crowd and confusion from the players.

“I trust VAR, I am a big fan of that so it is a penalty,” Guardiola told BT Sport after the full-time whistle.

“I have arguments to complain sometimes but I think it was a penalty, the first one and the second one and the red card.

“But the game was good. Second half we played with an incredible personality like last season in Anfield when we lost 3-0, but we gave two goals when they didn’t do absolutely anything.”

Former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb scored twice from the penalty spot to put Schalke 2-1 ahead at half-time, but Sane's 78th minute set-piece put the tie on tenterhooks.

Then, in the game’s dying moments, Raheem Sterling pounced on a mistake from Bastian Oczipka to turn home a decisive winner.

“It was a great result.” Guardiola continued. We gave the first penalty, we gave the second penalty. We gave the red card so that competition is not good. Too many things.

“Still we are not ready to fight for the latter stages, so that is a reality but the result is really good.”

“We played good and we started really well but still we lose some easy balls when we are not allowed to do in that competition especially.”​