Phil Foden penalty incident: VAR backs referee at Man City as ‘clear’ spot-kick not given for McCarthy ‘foul’

© Provided by The i Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (left) escaped giving away a penalty for what appeared to be a foul on Man City midfielder Phil Foden (Photo: PA)

Phil Foden was denied a penalty in the first half of Manchester City’s Premier League match with Southampton after VAR Andrew Madley backed the referee’s on-field decision.

Alex McCarthy appeared to foul Foden inside the penalty area, but referee Jon Moss did not point to the spot after deeming the Southampton goalkeeper got a touch on the ball.

The incident was reviewed by the VAR at Stockley Park, and it is understood the referee’s decision at the Etihad Stadium was upheld given it was unclear whether McCarthy touched the ball or not.

Manchester City’s own Twitter account said: “Can’t quite believe that… the replays more than hinted at a penalty, but VAR says no!”

Leicester midfielder James Maddison also weighed in on the decision, stating his surprise that Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe believed there was not any contact on Foden.

“Andy Hinchcliffe on the wind up here?” Foden said. “Saying there isn’t any contact on Foden.”

At half-time, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness said the officials “make it up as they go along”.

He said: “The referees back each other up. We know that. The referee at the game has not given it, so the people sitting at Stockley Park don’t give it.

“That’s a penalty. They just make it up as they go along.”

Some quarters on social media also suggested Foden was too honest, with the City midfielder attempting to stay on his feet following the challenge.

The incident did not deter City however, with Pep Guardiola’s side completing a comprehensive 5-2 win to extend their lead to 14 points at the top of the Premier League table.