A 32-year-old English referee of Zimbabwean descent, Farai Hallam, was in the spotlight over the weekend after confidently standing by a decision in his first English Premier League match, despite intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR).
Hallam, whose mother hails from Zimbabwe, received widespread acclaim for his performance during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
In the first half, with City leading 1-0, goalscorer Omar Marmoush appealed for a penalty after Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
Hallam initially waved the appeals away. He was then sent to the pitch-side monitor by VAR to review the incident.
Typically, referees alter their decisions after consulting VAR, but Hallam surprised fans and players alike by upholding his original call, refusing to award the penalty even after reviewing several replays. He 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.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told BBC Sport that it was undoubtedly the correct decision. He said:
“Hallam, officiating in his first Premier League match, made an excellent and courageous call to stick with his on-field decision of no handball.
“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.”
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