Farai Hallam made Premier League history as the first African-heritage referee and was at the centre of a controversial decision during Man City vs Wolves
Farai Hallam may have been largely unknown to most Premier League fans before the weekend, but his name quickly entered the spotlight after a controversial decision during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Wolves.
Making his Premier League debut, Hallam was the on-field referee when City were denied a penalty for a Yerson Mosquera handball inside the box. The incident was reviewed by VAR, with Hallam sent to the pitchside monitor after a lengthy check. Despite that, he chose to stick with his original call, deciding no penalty should be awarded.
The decision infuriated City players, staff, and manager Pep Guardiola, who made little effort to hide his frustration after the final whistle.
The incident came just days after PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended Diogo Dalot following a dangerous challenge on Jeremy Doku in the Manchester derby, adding extra context to Guardiola’s reaction.
Who is Farai Hallam?
Farai Hallam is a highly regarded official within the English refereeing system and has progressed steadily through the EFL before being handed his first Premier League appointment.
Prior to his top-flight debut, he had overseen numerous Championship and League One fixtures and was viewed as a referee with strong positional awareness and authority.
Hallam’s FA Cup experience
Before his Premier League debut, Hallam officiated the Liverpool vs Barnsley FA Cup tie during the 2025/26 season at Anfield, where Liverpool won 4-1. This match provided him valuable top-level experience in high-pressure games, helping prepare him for the scrutiny of the Premier League stage.
Zimbabwean heritage and history-making debut
Hallam made EPL history as the first referee of African heritage to take charge of a Premier League match. Born in England to a Zimbabwean mother and a British father, Hallam’s background adds to the growing diversity among referees in top-flight English football, and his debut was closely watched by fans and media alike.
🚨 Pep: “The referee made his debut, now everybody will know him”
“I’m sure Howard Webb is going to appear in media to explain why it’s not a penalty, like they did against Utd”
“I’m waiting tomorrow; Howard Webb, come tomorrow, explain why it’s not a penalty”#MCFC #PL pic.twitter.com/npUPMwFswC
— Matty (@Matt_yy7) January 24, 2026
Guardiola’s pointed criticism of Howard Webb
The key moment against Wolves came when City appealed for a penalty after Mosquera appeared to handle the ball in the area. VAR intervened and Hallam reviewed the footage on the monitor, a process that took several minutes. Despite the intervention, he ruled Mosquera’s arm in a “normal” position.
Guardiola did not hold back when asked about the call, using heavy sarcasm to underline his anger.
“The referee (Hallam) made a huge debut, now everybody will know him,” Guardiola said. “I think it’s the first time they go to the TV and disallow what is a ‘normal’ position of the arms. I’m pretty sure Howard Webb tomorrow is going to appear in the media to explain why it’s not a penalty and what he did against United.
“That’s why Jeremy could not play in Norway – for the action from Dalot. But it’s OK. I’m waiting tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday – we have Champions League, we are busy – Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain why it’s not a penalty.”
What this means for Hallam going forward
While Guardiola’s comments ensured Hallam’s name trended across football media, debut referees are often judged harshly due to the profile of the matches they officiate. The PGMOL backed the decision, and such scrutiny is an unavoidable part of modern Premier League refereeing.
For Farai Hallam, this was a baptism of fire. For Pep Guardiola, it was another chapter in his ongoing frustration with officiating standards – and a reminder that referees can become headline-makers as quickly as players.