‘Everyone is so sensitive’ – Pep Guardiola apologises to referee after outburst

Pep Guardiola has apologised for his post-match comments towards referee Farai Hallam after Manchester City’s win over Wolves.

However, the Spaniard also issued a passionate rant as he claimed he has to ‘defend my club’.

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Guardiola had been left furious over a penalty decision despite City returning to winning ways on Saturday.

His side beat Wolves 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium as they closed the gap to leaders Arsenal to four points.

The win came despite Hallam not awarding the home side a spot-kick for an alleged handball by Yerson Mosquera.

Despite being instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR, Hallam stuck with his on-field decision.

The call, which came in his first ever Premier League match as a referee, proved to be a key talking point after the final whistle.

It most notably became a talking point during Guardiola’s post-match press conference as he claimed he would be waiting for a call from Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief refereeing officer Howard Webb to explain the decision.

However, Guardiola has now apologised to Hallam ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

Guardiola’s apology

Speaking to reporters, he explained: “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 ten 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.”

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His attention once again turned to Webb, though, as he continued: “Never, ever, in ten 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.”

Hallam is set to return to his EFL officiating duties this weekend, under the PGMOL’s protocol for managing referees’ step up to the Premier League.

Instead of overseeing a top-flight fixture, he has been appointed referee for the Championship clash between Stoke and Southampton.

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What did Guardiola say?

Guardiola’s latest comments and apology follow his press conference outburst in the wake of Saturday’s league victory.

Discussing the decision not to award the penalty, he said: “The referee made a huge debut, now everybody will know him.

“I think it’s the first time they go to the TV and disallowed what is a ‘normal’ position of the arms.

“I’m pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it’s not a penalty and what he did against (Manchester) United, like it was the first time he had done it because there was a little bit of doubt.

“That’s why Jeremy (Doku) could not play in Norway, for the action from (Diogo) Dalot. But it’s okay. I’m waiting tomorrow.

“Don’t wait for Wednesday, we have Champions League, we are busy, Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty.”

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Diogo Dalot avoided a red card for a rash challenge on Jeremy Doku during the Manchester derby earlier this month.

Webb later explained the decision not to dismiss the Manchester United defender on the latest edition of ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’.

The show sees the PGMOL chief watch back contentious decisions, with the VAR audio played alongside footage of the incidents.

In Dalot’s instance, it was deemed to be ‘glancing contact’ with the full-back attempting to play the ball, prompting the VAR to stick with referee Anthony Taylor’s on-field call.