Wolves Suffer Late Heartbreak Against Man City Amid Controversial VAR Decision
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has expressed his frustration after a controversial last-minute goal saw Manchester City secure a dramatic victory at Molineux. In a tense encounter, John Stones scored a 95th-minute header from a Phil Foden corner, sealing a 2-1 win for City. However, the goal was shrouded in controversy as Wolves' goalkeeper, José Sá, appeared to be impeded by Bernardo Silva as the ball came into the box. This moment, which sparked an outcry from the Wolves camp, was reminiscent of a similar incident last season when Wolves had a crucial equalizer disallowed against West Ham.
Initially, the referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal, raising hopes for Wolves, after his assistant flagged Silva for offside. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, with the Premier League stating that Silva wasn't interfering with play or affecting the goalkeeper's ability to make a save. For Wolves, this was another bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their vocal opposition to VAR's use in the Premier League after a series of frustrating decisions in recent seasons.
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O'Neil was measured in his comments but questioned whether referees, subconsciously, favor the "big teams" in such tight situations. He reflected on the human element of officiating, suggesting that while referees don't intentionally make biased decisions, their subconscious might lean toward more prominent teams like Manchester City. The Wolves manager drew a parallel with everyday life, comparing it to choosing between confronting a "little guy" or a "big guy"—perhaps, unknowingly, decisions might favor the stronger side.
This incident mirrored Wolves' disappointment last season when they had a 99th-minute equalizer ruled out against West Ham under almost identical circumstances. Back then, Wolves provided evidence to the referees, proving that the West Ham goalkeeper had a clear view of the ball, but their arguments were dismissed, citing proximity to the play.
For Wolves and their supporters, this latest decision will undoubtedly sting, with O'Neil admitting it was "a tough blow." Nevertheless, Wolves will need to regroup quickly as they continue their battle in the Premier League, but this controversy will remain a sore memory of how close they came to snatching a point from one of the league’s most formidable sides.
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