Making your Premier League debut at Manchester Metropolis could be a frightening prospect for anybody – at the same time as a referee.

However 32-year-old Farai Hallam, as soon as knowledgeable footballer on Stevenage’s books, earned widespread reward for his efficiency throughout Metropolis’s 2-0 win over Wolves at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

With the hosts main 1-0 within the first half, goalscorer Omar Marmoush was satisfied the hosts ought to be awarded a penalty after Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera appeared to deal with the ball inside the world.

Hallam was unmoved, waving appeals away, solely to then be despatched to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR) to examine the incident.

Everyone knows what that usually means. The Metropolis followers had been already celebrating.

After watching a number of replays, nevertheless, Hallam shocked almost everybody contained in the stadium by selecting to stay together with his authentic choice.

“After assessment, the ball hits the arm of the Wolves participant, which is in a pure place so the on-field choice will stay,” he introduced over the tannoy.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann stated it was “doubtless the right choice”.

“Hallam, officiating in his first Premier League match, made a superb and brave name to stay together with his on-field choice of no handball,” Cann instructed BBC Sport.

“This was doubtless the right choice as Yerson Mosquera’s arm was in a justifiable place and the ball was performed on to his arm from very shut vary.

“A courageous and proper choice in regulation from a extremely regarded referee making his Premier League debut.”