Making your Premier League debut at Manchester City would be a daunting prospect for anyone – even as a referee.
But 32-year-old Farai Hallam, once a professional footballer on Stevenage’s books, earned widespread praise for his performance during City’s 2-0 win over Wolves at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
With the hosts leading 1-0 in the first half, goalscorer Omar Marmoush was convinced the hosts should be awarded a penalty after Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera appeared to handle the ball inside the area.
Hallam was unmoved, waving appeals away, only to then be sent to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR) to check the incident.
We all know what that normally means. The City fans were already celebrating.
After watching several replays, however, Hallam surprised nearly everyone inside the stadium by choosing to stick with his original decision.
“After review, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves player, which is in a natural position so the on-field decision will remain,” he announced over the tannoy.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said it was “without doubt the correct decision”.
“Hallam, officiating in his first Premier League match, made an excellent and courageous call to stick with his on-field decision of no handball,” Cann told Sport.
“This was without doubt the correct decision as Yerson Mosquera’s arm was in a justifiable position and the ball was played on to his arm from very close range.
“A brave and correct decision in law from a highly regarded referee making his Premier League debut.”