Pep Guardiola went on an extraordinary criticism of the referee after Manchester City were denied a penalty against Wolves on Saturday.
Man City earned a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals from Omar Marmoush and new signing Antoine Semenyo, but Guardiola was unhappy about the surprising decision of debutant referee Farai Hallam.
Hallam, in his first game officiating in the Premier League, became the first referee this season to confirm his own decision to not award a penalty and overrule a VAR review.
Darren England, who was on VAR duty during the game, called Hallam to the pitchside monitor to watch the replay and re-assess his decision on a possible penalty.
This happened after Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera had committed a handball when marking City forward Omar Marmoush.
Debutant referee Farai Hallam defied VAR and stuck to his decision
Although VAR recommended an on-field review, for the first time this season, the referee did not change his mind at the monitor having originally dismissed a penalty appeal from Manchester City.
Hallam then announced after leaving the pitchside monitor:
“After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain.”
While Wolves’ boss Rob Edwards praised the referee for backing his decision, Guardiola felt differently. And he immediately called for an explanation from Premier League referees chief Howard Webb.
Pep Guardiola demands explanation from PGMOL chief over referee decision
During his postgame press conference, an upset Pep Guardiola used the opportunity to demand for answers over the overruling from PGMOL chief Howard Webb.
“The referee made his debut, now everybody will know him,” Guardiola said. “It’s the first time, I think, he’ll go to the TV and disallow for a normal position of the arm.”
“I’m pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it’s not a penalty… But it’s OK.
“I’m waiting tomorrow; don’t wait until Wednesday, we have Champions League, we’re busy. Howard Webb, come tomorrow, explain why it’s not a penalty.”
