Pep Guardiola has criticized center referee Farai Hallam after a controversial decision in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
The major talking point of the clash came in the first half with City 1-0 up as a ball from Omar Marmoush struck the hands of Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera.
However, Hallam, making his English Premier League debut, stood with his original decision of no penalty despite being advised at the monitor by VAR Darren England.
“I would love to have the players to fight against that [referees’ decisions]. We won despite them”, Guardiola revealed after the match.
“The referee made a huge debut, now everybody will know him.
“I think it’s the first time they go to the TV and disallowed what is a ‘normal’ position of the arms.”
Manchester City went on to win 2-0 to record their first league win of the new year and bounce back from a run of two consecutive defeats across all competitions.
Marmoush, in for Erling Haaland, opened the scoring with an early goal, before Antoine Semenyo netted the second in first half stoppage-time.
“I’m pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it’s not a penalty and what he did against United, like it was the first time he had done it because there was a little bit of doubt,” the Spaniard added.
“That’s why Jeremy could not play in Norway [against Bodo/Glimt]– for the action from Dalot.
“But it’s ok. I’m waiting tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday — we have Champions League, we are busy — Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty. That’s why bring me back the players please to fight what we have done since day one. It’s too much”, Guardiola concluded.
Manchester City recorded their first league win of 2026 and reduced the gap at the top of the standings to just four points to Arsenal, who face Manchester United on Sunday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
