Farai Hallam makes ‘brave’ call to deny Man City penalty against Wolves

Making his Premier League debut against Manchester City would be a daunting prospect for anyone, even as a referee.

But Farai Hallam, 32, a professional footballer who was once on Stevenage’s books, was widely praised for his performance in City’s 2-0 win over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

While the home team was leading 1-0 at half-time, striker Omar Marmoush was convinced that the home team should be awarded a penalty when Wanderers defender Yerson Camira controlled the ball in the penalty area.

Hallam remained motionless, ignoring the appeals, but the video was then sent to the pitchside monitor by the assistant referee (VAR) to check the incident.

We all know what this normally means. City fans were already celebrating.

But after watching several replays, Hallam surprised almost everyone in the stadium by choosing to stick with his original decision.

“Following review, the ball strikes the arm of a Wolves player who was in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain,” he said in a statement via the Tannoy.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said it was “undoubtedly the right decision”.

“Hallam, who managed his first Premier League game, made an excellent and brave decision to stick to his decision not to allow handball on the pitch,” Cann told BBC Sport.

“This was undoubtedly the right decision, because Yerson Mosquera’s arm was in a legitimate position and the ball was played into his arm from very close range.

“A brave and correct decision in terms of law from a respected referee making his Premier League debut.”