Wolves boss Gary O’Neil sensationally suggested referees ‘subconsciously’ reward bigger clubs when it comes to close VAR calls.
O’Neil’s side were on the wrong end of multiple VAR decisions last season to the point where they called for a vote to scrap the technology, but were outvoted 19-1 by their Premier League counterparts.
Wolves copped the short end of the stick once again in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Manchester City.
The club was on course to secure a vital point against the defending champions but John Stones popped up with a header in the 95th minute to secure all three points.
Stones’ header was initially disallowed due to Bernardo Silva interfering with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa from an offside position.
However, VAR deemed Silva was not in Sa’s line of sight and had no impact on Stones’ header as the decision was overturned, much to City’s delight.
Speaking after the game, O’Neil avoided being overly critical of VAR but questioned if referees are more inclined to hand those marginal calls in favour of bigger teams when there’s more at stake.
O’Neil also referenced when Wolves were denied a goal in similar circumstances last season against West Ham to further underline his point.
“There’s no chance that people are purposely against Wolves,” O’Neil said.
“But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?
“My focus and my senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and Pep (Guardiola) and (Erling) Haaland. Are the officials the same, when it’s Haaland and when it’s Manchester City?
“Is there something in there that influences decision-making? And I’ve spoken to them about this as well, and they obviously guarantee me there isn’t. They are human.
2
“But Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It’s a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham. So maybe there’s something subconsciously that means that you are less likely to get them.
“I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys.
“But there is something in there and they definitely don’t do it on purpose. I know they’re 100 per cent honest, and they’re doing the best job they can, and I respect them fully.
“But maybe there’s something that just edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”
The 2-1 defeat ensured Wolves’ winless start to the campaign stretched into an eighth game as they remained rooted to the foot of the table.
O’Neil’s side have taken just one point from a possible 24 thanks to a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in August.
Although Wolves showed plenty of fight against City, O’Neil will be under no illusions he needs to string results together quickly.
Luckily for Wolves, three teams are also yet to win a game this season: Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Southampton.
Wolves face another tricky test when they travel to fifth-placed Brighton next Saturday.
