Guardiola Slams Referees After City Beat Wolves

MANCHESTER (Web Desk) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola launched a strong criticism of refereeing standards after his side’s 2-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, claiming his team’s success has come despite decisions repeatedly going against them. Guardiola was particularly frustrated after City were denied a first-half penalty when referee Farai Hallam, officiating his first Premier League match, refused to award a handball against Yerson Mosquera even after a VAR review.

The City boss also referenced last weekend’s Manchester derby defeat, expressing anger that Diogo Dalot escaped a red card for a studs-up challenge on Jeremy Doku. Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles in nine seasons with City, said injuries and controversial decisions have made the past two campaigns especially challenging, with Liverpool winning the title last season and City currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by four points.

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Guardiola sarcastically remarked that the referee’s decision would ensure he was “well known” following the VAR incident, adding that City have continued to win in spite of such calls. He stressed that his biggest regret over the last two seasons has been the lack of fully fit players to compete consistently at the highest level.

On the pitch, Guardiola’s tactical choices paid off as Erling Haaland was given a rare rest, allowing Omar Marmoush to step in and open the scoring. Antoine Semenyo added his third goal since joining City earlier this month, while defender Marc Guehi made his debut following his move from Crystal Palace.

Guardiola praised the January signings, expressing confidence that Guehi and Semenyo will play a crucial role in the second half of the season as City continue to compete in four tournaments. He highlighted Guehi’s composure, leadership, and reading of the game, describing him as a long-term signing capable of strengthening City’s defence for years to come.