Manager Josep Guardiola was furious at referee Farai Haram’s decision not to award a penalty during Manchester City’s win over Wolves, and made this clear in a press conference.
Manager Josep Guardiola once again targeted the referee after the game. (Image: Karl Lesseen/Getty Images)
Manager Josep Guardiola has criticized PGMOL president Howard Webb for justifying a foul in last week’s Manchester derby, insisting Manchester City won against Wolves despite the performances of all involved. Guardiola claimed Diogo Dalot’s tackle on Jeremy Doku forced the City winger to miss midweek’s Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and criticized Webb for publicly supporting the decision.
Guardiola was furious on Saturday after he was denied a penalty in City’s 2-0 win over Wolves. Omar Marmouche called for a spot-kick for handball and was referred to VAR, who advised referee Farai Haram, who was making his Premier League debut, to check the monitor.
Hallam upheld his original decision, stating that the defender’s arm was in a natural position when the ball hit him, and ruled it not a penalty.
Guardiola was unhappy with the decision after the game and remains unhappy with Webb’s decision to publicly say Dalot’s foul deserved a yellow card, while urging his players to “fight” against a call he believed was against the team.
read more: Erling Haaland’s gamble pays off for Man City as Wolves win keeps pressure on Arsenalread more: Premier League explains why Man City were not awarded a penalty despite Wolves’ handball
Guardiola said: “Yesterday I said that I feel like my only regret was not having players for the past two seasons.” “We want our players to fight against it, and we won despite them.
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“We’ve played six Premier League games in nine years, so why don’t we have players? The referee made a great debut and now everyone will know about him…I think it’s the first time they didn’t recognize the ‘normal’ position of the arm in front of the TV.
“I’m sure Howard Webb will come to the media tomorrow and explain why it wasn’t a penalty and what he did against United as if he had done it for the first time because there was a little bit of doubt.
“Jeremy couldn’t play in Norway because of Dalot’s actions. But that’s okay. We’ll wait tomorrow. Don’t wait until Wednesday. We’re busy because we have the Champions League. Howard Webb, please come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty.”
“So I want you to bring the guys back and fight what we’ve been doing since day one. That’s too much.”
Pep Guardiola was furious at the referee after Man City beat Wolves! (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Guardiola’s dissatisfaction with officials dates back to when he first arrived at the Etihad Stadium 10 years ago, but it intensified after the meeting at the start of the season, when he appeared to suggest that Erling Haaland and others would receive greater protection.
When this did not happen, city administrators became increasingly frustrated. “I want you to come tomorrow to explain again how the rules work. Do you know how many fouls are blown on Jeremy with his incredible speed? If you and I run side by side in rhythm and they push us and go down, it’s a dive. But with Jeremy’s speed they touch a little bit and he can’t control the speed,” Guardiola continued.
“Do you know how many fouls they believe are diving from Jeremy? At the beginning of the season they say that a long ball by a central defender that goes over the striker’s shoulder is a foul.
“We had a good meeting. Do you know how many fouls Erling Haaland committed?”
“He had more fouls whistled against him, which happened over and over again.
“All I want is to bring the players back. That’s what we’ve done in nine years. I really feel sorry for them.”
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