US Edition'They Are Sensitive' - Pep Still Irked by Ref Issue
- On Saturday after City's clash with Wolves, Pep Guardiola doubled down on criticism of referee Farai Hallam, accusing him of trying to make the story about himself after refusing a penalty.
- With refereeing under scrutiny, Guardiola criticised decisions against his club in recent weeks, saying he must defend his players while Howard Webb and PGMOL officials 'defend each other.'
- During the VAR pitchside review, Farai Hallam saw Omar Marmoush's flick hit Yerson Mosquera's arm but told the 53,000-strong crowd the ball struck a naturally positioned arm, so his decision stood.
- The immediate consequence was that referee Farai Hallam will not officiate any matches this weekend, and Guardiola's comments were widely condemned despite his qualified apology, saying `If he feels offended, I'm so sorry.`
- Beyond the match itself, City face Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on January 28 with a Champions League top-eight place at stake, fueling debate on VAR after recent refereeing criticisms by Guardiola.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Keighley News
Man City boss Pep Guardiola continues criticism of ‘sensitive’ referees
Guardiola accused Farai Hallam, who was taking charge of his first Premier League game, of attempting to make the story about himself against Wolves.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola blasts ‘sensitive’ referees after doubling down on Howard Webb criticism
Pep Guardiola has refused to back down from his criticism of match officials and PGMO chief Howard Webb, maintaining his stance during Tuesday's press conference ahead of Manchester City's Champions League fixture against Galatasaray
Manchester City have entered the new year in poor form. In addition to three consecutive draws in the league, the city suffered an unexpected setback away to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League. The crisis of Pep Guardiola's charges is also accompanied by the goal-scoring performance of Erling Haaland, who has scored just one goal in 2026.
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