‘I have to defend my players’ – Guardiola on his recent criticism of referees

Pep Guardiola has defended his comments about referee Farai Hallam following Manchester City’s win over Wolves on Saturday.

Guardiola was left feeling aggrieved that his side were denied a penalty for handball in what has Hallam’s first game refereeing in the Premier League.

After the game, the Spaniard said: “The referee made a huge debut, now everyone will know him.”

And reflecting on those comments, Guardiola stressed that he must defend his side and that he has always had respect for referees.

“I always had incredible respect for the referees over nine or ten years,” he said.

“After defeats, never comment anything.

“I know they defend each other. I understand completely. But I defend my players and I defend my club.

“If he felt offended I am so sorry. I know it’s not easy for him making his debut.

“It’s happened. I know they are so sensitive, everyone. I know that.

“Just take a look in ten years, when we were defeated in FA Cup finals, for the position of the keeper of Crystal Palace, it’s a red card and it was not a red card. Look at my comments after the game.

“Never, ever, after our defeats and in our problems, I never criticised the referees. I know it’s a difficult position. What I’m saying this season is because there are arguments and reasons why I’ve done it and I defend my club and my players.

“And they defend the referees. He has to do that.

“I know it’s not easy. But I have to defend my club and my players for many, many reasons.”