Guardiola expressed frustration with referee decisions during Man City’s 2-0 victory over Wolves in the 23rd round of the Premier League last weekend. In the 37th minute, Omar Marmoush entered the penalty area and dribbled the ball, which struck defender Yerson Mosquera’s hand. Farai Hallam, officiating a Premier League match for the first time, reviewed the footage by the touchline but decided not to award Man City a penalty.

After the match, Guardiola sarcastically remarked that "now everyone will know more about Hallam." The Spanish coach also recalled a series of previous decisions involving Man City, such as Antoine Semenyo’s disallowed goal against Newcastle in the League Cup, Diogo Dalot escaping a red card after a tackle on Jeremy Doku in the Manchester derby, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson controversially avoiding a red card against Man City in the 2025 FA Cup final.

Omar Marmoush dribbled the ball, which struck defender Yerson Mosquera's hand, but Man City was not awarded a penalty in their 2-0 win over Wolves in the 23rd round of the Premier League. Photo: Reuters

Within two weeks, Guardiola has mentioned PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb three times, indicating a growing tension between the Man City coach and the refereeing body.

During a press conference before the Champions League group stage match against Galatasaray, Guardiola affirmed his respect for referees throughout his nearly a decade in England. He stated he had never criticized referees in the past nine or ten years, even after losses. He cited that even last season, considered Man City’s worst, he made almost no complaints about this issue.

However, according to the Spanish coach, his current statements stem from specific, repeated incidents. "I must speak when a goal is reviewed for six minutes and then disallowed in the League Cup. I protect my club and my players. Just as Howard Webb protects the referees," he emphasized.

Guardiola later apologized for his controversial comments regarding the young referee Hallam. "I understand that officiating a debut match is not easy. People are very sensitive nowadays," the 55-year-old coach expressed.

Coach Pep Guardiola questioned referee Farai Hallam after Man City's victory. Photo: PA

In just 20 days, this marks the fifth time Guardiola has addressed refereeing issues, following matches against Brighton, Newcastle, Man Utd, and Wolves. He also voiced concern about striker Erling Haaland and especially Jeremy Doku not receiving adequate protection.

According to British newspaper Sportmail, internally, Guardiola’s frequent mentions of referee "injustices" are not new, and the Spanish coach has often used this as a way to motivate players. However, the frequency and intensity of his recent public statements suggest his patience may be running thin.

Finally, Guardiola discussed the team's performance. Man City currently ranks 11th in the Champions League with 13 points, matching 8th-placed Chelsea but trailing on goal difference. He stressed the club must defeat Galatasaray to break into the top 8, thereby avoiding two additional play-off rounds for a spot in the round of 16. Guardiola also expressed his joy at reuniting with former players Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane, both ex-Man City players now with Galatasaray.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)