Sarcastic Pep Guardiola takes aim at Howard Webb and criticises referee after he made his Premier League debut in win over Wolves: ‘Now everybody will know him’

Pep Guardiola has Howard Webb in his sights after claiming Manchester City have won trophies despite referees over the last decade.

City were angered by Yerson Camira’s decision not to award a penalty for handball during Saturday’s 2-0 win against Wolves.

Referee Farai Hallam was sent to the monitor following a lengthy VAR check in his Premier League debut but opted to stick to his decision on the pitch.

While Wolves boss Rob Edwards praised Hallam’s bravery, Guardiola believes it is indicative of a series of refereeing calls he insists he has consistently taken against his team.

While harshly dismissing the officials, Guardiola sarcastically criticized PGMO chief Webb for defending Diogo Dalot’s dangerous tackle on Jeremy Doku in last weekend’s Manchester derby.

“The referee (Hallam) made a big breakthrough, now everyone will know him,” Guardiola said. ‘I think it’s the first time they’ve been on TV and they don’t allow the ‘normal’ position of the arms.

‘I’m pretty sure Howard Webb will come out in the media tomorrow and explain why it wasn’t a penalty and what he did against United, like it’s the first time he’s done it because there was a bit of doubt.

‘That’s why Jeremy couldn’t play in Norway because of Dalot’s action. But that’s okay. I’m waiting tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday; We have the Champions League, we are busy. Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why there was no penalty.’

Guardiola has targeted referees on several occasions in recent weeks; He was fuming at Newcastle over the defeat against City where a penalty was not awarded for handball and Fabian Schar’s late lunge on Phil Foden.

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

“We won despite them (the referees),” Guardiola added. ‘We have won six Premier League titles in nine years.

‘I’d love for the players to fight against this. ‘I say this because I want to fight with my players, because we have done this for years, even with these decisions we can win.’