Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologised to new Premier League referee Farai Hallam if he “feels offended”, having taken issue with the official after Saturday’s victory over Wolves.
But the Spaniard said he had to “defend my club and my players”.
Guardiola took umbrage at the fact Hallam – making his top-flight debut – decided not to award his side a penalty for an apparent handball by visiting defender Yerson Mosquera, despite being told to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).
There is usually only one outcome when a referee is sent to the screen – the awarding or overturning of a penalty – but in sticking with his original decision Guardiola said Hallam made a “huge debut” and “everybody will know” him now.
Asked if he took his comments from the weekend too far, Guardiola replied: “With their statements, they defend each other, [that is] completely understandable. They have to do that.
“But at the same time, I have to defend my club. How many times did I criticise the referees last season, which was the worst season in 10 years? How many times?
“If he is offended then I am so sorry. I know it’s not easy on debut – and it’s happened. Everyone is so sensitive, I know that.”
Following the match, Guardiola said he would be awaiting a call from referees’ chief Howard Webb to “explain why it is not a penalty”.
For the third time in two weeks, Webb was again referenced by Guardiola in a news conference as he added: “Never, ever, in 10 years I have criticised the referees. What I am saying this season is arguments and reasons why we have done it.
“I defend my club and my players. Howard Webb defends the referees. He has to do that.
“Look what happens in the boxes from corners and free-kicks: every action, it is not easy. Every action is a foul, every action. I know it is not easy, but I have to defend my club and my players for many reasons.”
‘When we lose, I congratulate the opponent’
City are back in European action on Wednesday and must beat Turkish giants Galatasaray to have any hope of finishing in the top eight to avoid an extra two games in a play-off.
But in Tuesday’s pre-match news conference, he maintained his stance on officiating by referencing Antoine Semenyo’s disallowed goal – for offside against Erling Haaland – in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie at Newcastle, as well as Crystal Palace defender Jaydee Canvot’s handball against Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League encounter.
“When we lose in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup – the first statement is congratulate the opponent all the time,” said Guardiola. “I do it because I believe it is fair enough to say.
“But when you say one times or two times over 10 years that I am the type [to complain] then OK it’s fine, everyone defends his position. I defend my club and players for what happened many, many [times].
“When you are six minutes for a disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup, I have to tell him you know. The hand [ball] against Wolves, it happened, but then what happened at Crystal Palace and Chelsea? I have to tell.”
