Man City get 'incredible' instant VAR verdict after six-minute Newcastle wait

Antoine Semenyo was denied a second goal in Man City's Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.

Newcastle United were thrown a possible lifeline in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City, after the visitors had a goal chalked off following an extended VAR review.

Antoine Semenyo had given City an early second-half advantage and appeared to have extended their lead in the 63rd minute with a clever back-heeled finish from a corner.

However, play was suspended for a VAR review to examine a potential offside. The check lasted six minutes and required referee Chris Kavanagh to consult the pitchside monitor to assess a subjective offside decision.

The referee determined that Erling Haaland had interfered with play by preventing Malick Thiaw from clearing the ball whilst in an offside position, resulting in the goal being disallowed.

Following his review of the monitor, Kavanagh announced his verdict: "After review, Manchester City number nine is in an offside position and impacts the ability of the defender. Final decision offside."

The duration of the review, which stretched to approximately six minutes, clearly frustrated, supporters inside the stadium, voiced their displeasure with audible booing throughout the process.

Sky Sports co-commentator Chris Sutton described the decision as 'incredible'.

"I've got to tell you, I think the game's gone. Is he really going to stop that Thiaw?" he said. "You think the distance from Semenyo...a yard, a yard-and-a-half. Thiaw's not going to react to that.

"That's just a sheer guess from the referee."

The referee's announcement was met with a roar of approval from the St James' Park crowd, prompting an immediate reaction from Eddie Howe in the form of substitutions. Sandro Tonali came on for Jacob Ramsey, while Anthony Elanga and Nick Woltemade replaced Anthony Gordon and Yoane Wissa as Newcastle sought to level the score.

Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goal, City did find themselves 2-0 up before full-time. Rayan Cherki secured City's dominance in the tie with a goal in the 99th minute.

However, the decision to disallow Semenyo's second goal could still prove pivotal in the tie, with the second leg of yet to be played. It will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 4 February.