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Why Man City were denied penalty vs Wolves after VAR review

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Why Man City were denied penalty vs Wolves after VAR review
Manchester City supporters have finally been given clarity over the controversial penalty decision that went against them during their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite a pitch-side VAR review.

Referee Farai Hallam, officiating his first-ever Premier League match, chose not to award Pep Guardiola's side a spot-kick following a potential handball by Yerson Mosquera inside the Wolves penalty area.

The call raised eyebrows at the Etihad Stadium, particularly as VAR advised an on-field review - a scenario that often results in a decision being overturned.

Early City control

City had already made a strong start as Omar Marmoush, deputising for Erling Haaland, opened the scoring in the sixth minute after meeting Matheus Nunes' pinpoint delivery into the Wolves box.

The hosts nearly doubled their advantage midway through the half when Marmoush showed outstanding control to bring down Abdukodir Khusanov's long ball before beating Mosquera.

However, his low effort struck the base of the post and rebounded safely into the arms of José Sá.

Moments earlier, though, the major talking point had unfolded.

The handball incident

As Marmoush tried to flick the ball past Mosquera during his run into the area, the ball struck the Colombian defender's outstretched left arm.

Loud appeals erupted from City players and fans alike, prompting Hallam to consult the pitch-side monitor after VAR officials Darren England and Samuel Barrott recommended a review.

Given the growing trend of referees changing decisions after visiting the monitor, many inside the stadium expected a penalty to be awarded.

But Hallam stood firm.

Why no penalty was given

After reviewing the footage, Hallam announced to the stadium:
After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position, so the on-field decision will remain.
The Premier League Match Centre later echoed that explanation on social media, confirming that Mosquera's arm position was judged to be natural rather than making his body unnaturally bigger - a key distinction under current handball laws.

In simple terms, officials determined the contact was incidental rather than a punishable offence.

A rare VAR outcome

It is relatively uncommon for referees to reject a VAR recommendation after viewing the monitor, making Hallam's decision notable - especially in his top-flight debut.

Instead of bowing to pressure, the official backed his original judgement.

Fortunately for City, the moment did not prove costly.

City extend lead before break

Just before half-time, January arrival Antoine Semenyo doubled the advantage.

Slipped through by Bernardo Silva, the Ghana international cut inside and curled a precise left-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond Sá’s reach.

That goal ensured Guardiola's side went into the interval with a commanding two-goal cushion, easing the sting of the earlier controversy.

The bigger picture

Whilst debate will inevitably continue among fans, the decision aligns with the Premier League's emphasis on arm position and intent when assessing handball incidents.

Not every contact between ball and arm is automatically a penalty - a nuance that remains one of football’s most misunderstood laws.

For Hallam, it was a bold and composed call on a major stage.

For City, it was a moment of frustration that ultimately didn’t derail their performance.

But for supporters, it was another reminder that VAR may review, but referees still decide.

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