Bernardo Silva issues thinly-veiled dig at match referees following latest Manchester City controversy

Manchester 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.

Goals 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.

Speaking 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. “I don’t want to say too much because we know how these things work, but I saw it and it just looks ridiculous from me. But it is what it is.

“It’s so frustrating because the last time we came here to St James’ Park in the Premier League, we also had a lot of decisions going against us. And once again tonight, even though we won, it was just quite frustrating, to be honest.”

Silva’s comments echo a wider sense of irritation within the City camp, particularly given the ongoing injury problems in defence and the need for maximum efficiency in high-stakes fixtures.

With fine margins deciding knockout ties, Pep Guardiola and his players are acutely aware that contentious decisions can carry major consequences. Looking ahead to the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, City will aim to avoid any uncertainty by turning territorial dominance into clear-cut goals.

With the form of Antoine Semenyo, the emergence of Rayan Cherki, and Pep Guardiola’s emphasis on control, the objective will be to remove any scope for controversy altogether.

For Bernardo Silva, his remarks underline both leadership and competitiveness and even in victory, the captain’s focus remains on standards and fairness, reinforcing Manchester City’s determination to dictate outcomes through performance rather than be influenced by decisions beyond their control.