Fuming Pep Guardiola confronts referee over 'clear' penalty miss against Wolves

City secured a 2-0 win over Wolves thanks to goals from Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both started on the bench, while Marc Guehi made his first Premier League start for the club. However, the main talking point of the match was not the goals, but a penalty appeal that was waved away.

The incident came in the 34th minute, when Marmoush claimed Mosquera had handled the ball in the box and appealed for a spot-kick. After reviewing the incident, referee Farai Hallam ruled no penalty. “After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain,” he announced.

Guardiola was clearly unhappy with the call and voiced his frustration after the match. “Yesterday I said I had the feeling that not having the players for the last two seasons is the only regret I have,” Guardiola said. “I would love to have players to fight against that. We won despite them.”

“We did six Premier Leagues in nine years so why do I not have the players. 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.

“I’m pretty sure that 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.

“That’s why Jeremy could not play in Norway - for the action from Dalot. But it’s okay. I’m waiting tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday - we have the 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.”

The match marked referee Farai Hallam’s first appointment in the Premier League. He made his English Football League debut in 2023 and took charge of his first Championship game in November 2024, officiating Norwich against Bristol City.

Despite Guardiola’s anger, several refereeing experts backed the decision. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said: “Hallam, officiating in his first Premier League match, made an excellent and courageous call to stick with his on-field decision of no handball.

“This was without doubt the correct decision, as Yerson Mosquera’s arm was in a justifiable position and the ball was played onto his arm from very close range. A brave and correct decision in law from a highly regarded referee making his Premier League debut.”

The victory kept Manchester City firmly in the title race, cutting the gap to leaders Arsenal to four points. Arsenal are due to face Manchester United later tonight at 23:30 on 25 January (GMT+7).