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Pep Guardiola said Saturday’s win over Wolves came “despite” the officials, after Farai Hallam went against the advice of the VAR and denied Manchester City a penalty.
With City already leading 1-0 thanks to Omar Marmoush’s early goal, Hallam – who was overseeing his first Premier League match – was sent to the monitor for a pitchside review.
VAR Darren England advised that Yerson Mosquera’s arm was in an unnatural position when Marmoush flicked the ball against him on the left side of the penalty area.
But Hallam did what no other Premier League referee has done this season, opting against overturning his decision while at the monitor.
Though Antoine Semenyo continued his fine start to life at the Etihad Stadium, drilling home in first-half stoppage time to give City a 2-0 lead that they comfortably saw out, Guardiola was not happy with the decision.
Asked about the officiating after full-time, Guardiola said: “I would love to have the players to fight against that. We won despite them.
“The referee made a huge debut, now everybody will know him.
“I think it’s the first time they went to the TV and disallowed it for a ‘normal’ position of the arms.”
#MCIWOL – 35’
After VAR review, the referee retained the on-field decision of no penalty to Manchester City.
Referee announcement: “After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain.”
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 24, 2026
Guardiola then referenced an incident from City’s 2-0 derby loss to Manchester United one week earlier, in which Diogo Dalot escaped a red card despite appearing to catch Jeremy Doku with a reckless, high challenge.
“I’m pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it’s not a penalty, like he did against United,” Guardiola added.
“That’s why Jeremy could not play in Norway [in a 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt], because of the action from Dalot.
“But it’s okay. I’m waiting for tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday – we have the Champions League and we are busy.
“Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty.”
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