Pep Guardiola is frustrated with a denied penalty against Wolverhampton. A scene from the derby against United also continues to cause annoyance.
Star coach Pep Guardiola has caused a stir on the island with biting referee criticism. His problem?
Referee Farai Hallam had denied Manchester City a penalty in his first Premier League game after the video assistant sent him to the screen due to a supposed handball. However, the 32-year-old Hallam stuck to his decision.
Pep Guardiola is not satisfied with the referees’ performance
“The referee made a magnificent debut, now everyone knows him,” scoffed Guardiola after the 2-0 (2-0) win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. “I think it’s the first time they go to the screen and don’t give a penalty.”
Guardiola demands explanation from referee boss
The Catalan also did not hold back with criticism from English referee boss Howard Webb. Guardiola also had in mind the scene from the derby against Manchester United (0-2) the previous week, when Diogo Dalot hit City player Jeremy Doku on the knee and was not sent off.
“I’m pretty sure Howard Webb will appear in the media tomorrow to explain why it wasn’t a penalty and what he did against United,” the 55-year-old said on Saturday, adding irritably: “Don’t wait until Wednesday – we have Champions League, we’re busy – Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty.”
However, former English assistant referee Darren Cann defended Hallam. He told the BBC it was “without a doubt the right decision”: “A brave and rule-compliant decision from a highly respected referee making his Premier League debut.”