Pep Guardiola has been criticised by former referee Graham Scott following the Man City's boss's outburst against officials
Pep Guardiola speaks with Referee Farai Hallam after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola has been criticised for his actions towards referees. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has hit out at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's attitude towards officials.
Despite his side's 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, the City boss was not happy with a decision by referee Farai Hallam to not award his side a penalty. The official was sent over to the VAR screen, but decided to stick with his on-field call of no penalty.
After the game, Guardiola said: "Yesterday I said I had the feeling that not having the players for the last two seasons is the only regret I have. I would love to have the players to fight against that. We won despite them.
"We did six Premier Leagues in nine years so why do I not have the players. 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?"
Writing in the Telegraph, the former referee claimed that Guardiola was 'physical' with him during Manchester City's match vs Brighton in May 2021, when he was the fourth official. He has also spoken about Guardiola's "antics", and his reaction to referee Hallam at the full-time of his side’s win this weekend.
"Guardiola's decision – and be in no doubt that everything he does is for a purpose – to berate Hallam on the pitch at the final whistle made a great manager look a small man," he wrote.
"It seems he cannot always be gracious, even in victory.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with referee Farai Hallam following the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola approached referee Farai Hallam following his side's 2-0 win over Wolves.(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)
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"I am glad that his antics appear to have backfired, with almost every observer taking the referee's side for once. Hallam emerged as the adult in the room and will take the field for his second Premier League match with an even greater sense of self-assurance."
In his first Premier League game, the referee opted against awarding Manchester City a penalty for handball, despite being sent to the screen by VAR Darren England.
Scott also called on the Premier League to change their rules. "The Premier League should also take action, starting by stopping managers entering the pitch after the match if they cannot be trusted to behave," he wrote.
"Guardiola is not the only manager to use the period after the match to confront officials and opponents, presumably in the hope that such performative pantomime will reap benefits in future matches.
"Instead, they should only shake hands with their opposite number, walk down the tunnel and compose themselves before meeting the media."
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