Guardiola Slams Officials After Wolves Handball Decision In City Victory

Manchester City beat Wolves 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, yet Pep Guardiola focused on refereeing. Guardiola argued that City had to overcome the match officials as well as the visitors, after a first-half

penalty claim was rejected following a lengthy VAR check.

The flashpoint came with City 1-0 ahead through Omar Marmoush, whose early strike settled any nerves. Debut Premier League referee Farai Hallam then reviewed a potential handball against Yerson Mosquera on the pitchside screen but chose not to change the on-field decision.

VAR Darren England had advised Hallam to rewatch the incident, believing Mosquera’s arm position looked unnatural when Marmoush flicked the ball against it inside the left side of the penalty area. Hallam became the first Premier League referee this season to stick with a no-penalty call after going to the monitor.

Despite the dispute, City extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Antoine Semenyo maintained strong early form at the Etihad Stadium, drilling in a low finish to make it 2-0. Manchester City then controlled the second half, limiting Wolves’ threat and closing out the Premier League victory without serious alarm.

Asked about the officials after full-time, Guardiola did not conceal frustration. Guardiola said: "I would love to have the players to fight against that. We won despite them. The referee made a huge debut, now everybody will know him. I think it's the first time they went to the TV and disallowed it fora 'normal' position of the arms. "

The Premier League’s own match centre had earlier outlined the explanation from the VAR booth and from Hallam. It confirmed that the officials believed Mosquera’s arm position fitted the current interpretation of a natural silhouette, so the original on-field decision stood after the video review.

#MCIWOL35 After VAR review, the referee retained the on-field decision of no penalty to Manchester City. Referee announcement: After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain.Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 24, 2026

Manchester City penalty VAR debate linked to previous derby incident

Guardiola then moved the discussion towards Manchester City’s 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester United one week earlier. In that match, Diogo Dalot avoided a red card after a high, forceful challenge that appeared to catch Jeremy Doku, a decision that also angered the City manager.

Guardiola said: "I'm pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it's not a penalty, like he did against United, Guardiola added. That's why Jeremy could not play in Norway [in a 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt], because of the action from Dalot. But it's okay. I'm waiting for tomorrow. Don't wait for Wednesdaywe have the Champions League and we are busy. Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it's not a penalty. "

The reference to Norway related to Manchester City’s 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt, when Jeremy Doku missed out after the Dalot tackle. Guardiola’s comments showed ongoing tension around recent calls, even on a day when City claimed three Premier League points and strengthened momentum before their next Champions League fixture.