THE Premier League has announced that Farai Hallam will NOT manage a game next weekend.
Hallam made his top flight debut last week during Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Wolves.
He sparked plenty of conversation after boldly going against VAR when he was asked to review an alleged handball against Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera.
But the 32-year-old opted to stick with his on-field decision of no penalty, rather than to give a penalty following the review.
Announcing the decision in the stadium, Hallam said: “After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain.”
It earned him many plaudits from fans who praised his bravery in going against VAR, but also got him an earful from City boss Pep Guardiola at full-time.
The Spaniard also went in two-footed during his post-match press conference, saying: “The player’s arm is out from his body. The ref made a huge debut… so now everyone will know him, but it’s OK.
“It’s the first time they go to a TV and disallowed what is a ‘normal’ position of the arms.”
Oozing sarcasm, Guardiola said he expects PGMOL chief Howard Webb will be in touch, adding: “I’m waiting for a phone call to explain why it wasn’t a penalty.”
Guardiola criticised Webb for publicly backing the decision not to send off Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot for a foul in last Saturday’s derby loss.
The former Barcelona manager claimed Dalot’s tackle on Jeremy Doku forced the City winger to miss their Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt in midweek.
Guardiola said: “That is why Jeremy could not play in Norway. But it’s OK. I’m waiting tomorrow.”
Following the controversy and Guardiola’s furious outburst, Hallam has not been selected to whistle any Premier League games in matchweek 24.
Premier League officials matchweek 24
Brighton v Everton
Referee: Chris Kavanagh. Assistants: Dan Cook, Wade Smith. Fourth official: Tim Robinson. VAR: Neil Davies. Assistant VAR: Tim Wood.
Leeds v Arsenal
Referee: Stuart Attwell. Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Craig Taylor. Fourth official: Gavin Ward. VAR: Jarred Gillett. Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith.
Wolves v Bournemouth
Referee: Michael Oliver. Assistants: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring. Fourth official: James Bell. VAR: Peter Bankes. Assistant VAR: Marc Perry.
Chelsea v West Ham
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. Fourth official: Rob Jones. VAR: Michael Salisbury. Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
Liverpool v Newcastle
Referee: Simon Hooper. Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long. Fourth official: Sam Barrott. VAR: Craig Pawson. Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
Aston Villa v Brentford
Referee: Tim Robinson. Assistants: Ian Hussin, Tim Wood. Fourth official: Tom Kirk. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick.
Man Utd v Fulham
Referee: John Brooks. Assistants: Simon Bennett, Mat Wilkes. Fourth official: Darren England. VAR: James Bell. Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
Referee: Michael Salisbury. Assistants: Marc Perry, Alistair Nelson. Fourth official: James Linnington. VAR: Tony Harrington. Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.
Spurs v Man City
Referee: Rob Jones (pictured). Assistants: Neil Davies, Nick Greenhalgh. Fourth official: Andy Madley. VAR: Jarred Gillett. Assistant VAR: Blake Antrobus.
Sunderland v Burnley
Referee: Paul Tierney. Assistants: Richard West, Mark Scholes. Fourth official: Tony Harrington. VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton.
The PGMOL and PL chiefs have been known to take officials out of the firing line following a controversial decision.
In previous examples however, it has been a glaring error or miscommunication which has led to such a decision.
But Hallam has notoriety thanks to the criticism of Guardiola for the decision against his team, rather than a wider outcry from fans at a shocking decision as has been seen in the past.
SunSport’s ref expert Mark Halsey felt Hallam got the call spot on and hailed the Prem rookie for sticking to his guns.
Halsey said: “The ref was correct as it wasn’t a deliberate handball. How refreshing was it to see Hallam stick with his original decision?”
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