Ex-PGMOL chief makes his feelings clear over 'inconsistent approach' as Man City denied penalty vs Wolves

Farai Hallam should have listened to VAR official Darren England as Man City were denied a penalty against Wolves on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee made a key mistake on his Premier League debut on 24 January.

In the 37th minute, Omar Marmoush returned from AFCON and was causing mayhem at the Etihad Stadium, netting the opener before nearly winning his side a penalty.

Following a VAR check, England sent the referee to the pitch-side monitor to check the decision, with the ball clearly deflecting off Yerson Mosquera‘s arm, but shouts for a penalty fell upon deaf ears.

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the reasoning for the referee’s decision, with Hallam believing the arm was in a natural position, but that has become a controversial talking point.

Farai Hallam wrong to ignore Darren England over penalty check

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the penalty call, the former referee said: “We continue to witness an inconsistent approach to the application of handball offences by PGMOL officials.

“I believe that VAR was correct to request the referee to the screen. The offender’s arm was away from the body, and the award of a penalty kick would have been the correct decision.

“This referee has made an incorrect judgment. It’s handball. VAR Darren England was correct to send the referee to the screen.”

Premier League supporters continue to be left frustrated by the officials each weekend. Unsurprisingly, City fans were furious when no penalty was awarded against Mosquera.

Man City vs Wolves controversy splits opinion

Despite Hackett being absolutely certain that a penalty should have been awarded, not everyone is in agreement, leading to a major talking point emerging from the Etihad.

Speaking to BBC Sport (24 January), former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann agreed with the decision, arguing that the player’s arm was in a “justifiable” position, lauding the official for his bravery.

Fortunately, it is not a decision that changed the course of the game, with Antoine Semenyo‘s first-half goal putting the game out of sight for the Old Gold, but it raises questions over the quality of officiating.

Hackett continues to raise concerns about Howard Webb‘s referees, but very little seems to improve with each passing controversy.

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