Getty Images January 24, 2026, 10:44 p.m

The head coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, gave a fiery press conference after his team’s victory over Wolverhampton (2:0).

The reason for the Catalan’s anger was the episode in the first half, when the referee of the match, Farai Gallam, for whom this game was his debut in the Premier League, refused to award a penalty against the wolves. The key moment came when Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera was allegedly handballed in his own penalty area.

The VAR referees invited Gallam to the monitor to watch the episode, which usually ends with a change of decision. However, the rookie referee went against the recommendations of the video assistants and upheld his decision, stating that the hand was in a natural position. Pep Guardiola perceived such a decision as the referee’s desire to draw attention to himself.

“The referee made his debut today, and now everyone will know his name. It’s the first time, as far as I’m concerned, when the referee goes to watch the replay on the screen and cancels the penalty, referring to the normal position of the hand,” remarked the coach of the city sarcastically.

Guardiola did not limit himself to criticizing a particular referee and went directly to the chairman of PGMOL (the organization responsible for refereeing in England) Howard Webb, demanding an immediate explanation.

“I’m sure Howard Webb will appear in the media tomorrow to explain why it’s not a penalty. I’m waiting for tomorrow. Don’t wait until Wednesday, we’ve got the Champions League, we’re busy. Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty,” Guardiola said.

Man City’s victory in this match was brought by goals from Omar Marmouche and Antoine Semenho. This result made it possible to reduce the gap to the leader of the championship, Arsenal, to four points.