Man City boss Pep Guardiola doubles down on criticism of referees after sarcastic takedown of officials and Howard Webb

Pep Guardiola has doubled down on his criticism of referees and Howard Webb following his sarcastic takedown at the weekend. 

On Saturday, City were incensed by the decision not to award a penalty for handball by Yerson Mosquera during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Wolves.

On his Premier League debut, referee Farai Hallam was sent to the monitor after a lengthy VAR check but chose to stick with his on-field decision.

When asked about Saturday’s barbed comments in Tuesday’s press conference, he said: ‘They defend each other, completely understandable. They have to. But sometimes I have to defend my club.

‘How many times did I criticise referees last season, the worst season in 10 years? Never.

‘After [the defeat to Manchester] United, how were my comments about the referees? I was incredibly respectful in 10 years about referees, I never commented anything. When I do it, I have arguments to do it, that’s the only reason why.

‘But I know they defend each other, pundits, everyone defends – I understand completely. But I defend my players, I defend my club.’

On Saturday’s handball incident, Wolves boss Rob Edwards praised Hallam’s courage, while Guardiola believes it was indicative of a run of refereeing calls he insists consistently go against his team.

In a cutting takedown of officials, Guardiola sarcastically criticised PGMO chief Webb after he defended Diogo Dalot’s dangerous tackle on Jeremy Doku in last weekend’s Manchester derby.

‘The referee (Hallam) made a huge debut, now everybody will know him,’ Guardiola said. ‘I think it’s the first time they go to the TV and disallow 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 United, like it was the first time he had done it because there was a little bit of doubt.

‘That’s why Jeremy could not play in Norway – for the action from Dalot. But it’s OK. 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.’

Guardiola has taken aim at referees on a number of occasions in recent weeks, seething about calls during a defeat at Newcastle in which City were not awarded penalties for a handball and Fabian Schar’s late lunge on Phil Foden.

The City boss is angered by the treatment Erling Haaland is afforded and was left irritated by Antoine Semenyo’s disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park.

‘We won despite them (referees),’ Guardiola added. ‘We did six Premier League titles in nine years.

‘I would love to have the players to fight against that. I’m saying because I want to fight with my players because we have done it down the years that even with these decisions we can win.’