Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has failed to back down from his criticism of Premier League referees despite backlash for his comments about debutant official Farai Hallam.
Guardiola made headlines last weekend following City’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton. The Spanish tactician was not pleased with referee Farai Hallam’s decision to reject the advice of VAR and decided against awarding City a penalty.
It was Guardiola’s latest attack on referees following his rant at the end of the 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semifinal at St James’ Park when Antoine Semenyo had a goal ruled out by the video assistant.
Referee Farai Hallam checks VAR for a potential handball on the pitchside monitor but chooses to stay with his on-field decision and not award a penalty during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)
“If he [Hallam] feels offended, I’m so sorry,” Guardiola said. “With their statements, they [the referees] 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? It never happened. Against [Manchester] United, what happened? After the United game, what were my comments against the referees? Tell me.
“I was incredibly respectful in my nine or 10 years with the referees, in defeats and everything, never commenting on absolutely anything.
“I know they defend each other and pundits and everyone defends them. And I understand completely. But I defend my players and I defend my club. That’s why I owe [it to] them — my club and my people — what happened in that.”
City face Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday with a place in the top-eight of the Champions League on the line.
Man City’s hope of winning the Premier League was also given a huge boost last weekend when Manchester United defeated Arsenal.
It means the gap at the top of the Premier League table is just four points, but Guardiola has warned his players against becoming too concerned with what’s happening at the Emirates.
“My advice to them is focus on what you have to do,” Guardiola said. “If we are happy and optimistic just for the fact our contenders lose a game, it will not be good. We can do better to win games.
“Now it’s a different competition and we are already qualified, that’s good, but it will be really important to be able to finish in the first eight.”
