Ref Watch: Man City penalty was fair but Newcastle were fortunate vs Wolves

Former referee Dermot Gallagher dissects the flashpoints from the latest round of the 2023/24 Premier League season including handball shouts and red-card debates.

INCIDENT: Manchester City were awarded a penalty when Rasmus Hojlund was penalised for holding Rodri in the box during a free-kick.

DERMOT SAYS: "It's difficult to say it's not a foul. People will ask how many we're going to give now if you see this given. Look at that, you can't say it's not a foul. The problem will be is that going to be given week in, week out?

"But it is a foul. It was looked at a long time. Michael Oliver was the VAR and he studied it and took a long time. I heard him say to the referee 'you've got to stop the game now, I'm going to recommend you review it'.

"He thought it was a clear and obvious error because he sent him to the screen. By doing that, the referee then makes the decisions which sit better and are more comfortable."

INCIDENT: In a similar incident later on, Manchester City were not awarded a penalty after Harry Maguire and Erling Haaland tussled in the area.

DERMOT SAYS: "The difference there is Haaland has got him as well to start with. It doesn't end up with him holding him, but they are clashing and end up holding each other. The referee would not have given a penalty there even if he'd seen it. It would have been a foul the other way, I think."

INCIDENT: Manchester United winger Antony was penalised and given a caution for a challenge on Jermey Doku. But should he have been sent off?

DERMOT SAYS: "I think it was a very unwise thing to do. There was no intention of going for the ball. The Manchester City players have done him a massive favour because if he ends up on the floor, everything changes. He's a lucky boy."

INCIDENT: New