Exclusive: FA make decision on potential charge for Wolves boss
Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil has escaped a charge from the Football Association and given a warning following comments he made suggesting Premier League referees ‘subconsciously’ show bias towards bigger clubs.
O’Neil’s side fell victim to a last minute Manchester City winner at Molineux on October 20, when John Stones’ 95th minute header was awarded following a VAR intervention, despite the on-field officials originally chalking it off due to Bernardo Silva interfering with goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Speaking after the defeat, O’Neil insisted referees do not deliberately lean in favour of bigger teams, but believes subconsciously they are more likely to award decisions to them.
Following his comments O’Neil was asked to offer his observations to the FA, with the governing body considering charging him.
Had they followed through the head coach was facing a potential touchline ban, but the Express & Star understands O’Neil has escaped a ban and has been given a warning by the FA.
They have also reminded the head coach of his responsibilities moving forward.
Speaking after the City game, O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves, let’s be clear.
“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision making – without even knowing it are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?
“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City, are the officials the same? When it’s (Erling) Haaland and Man City is there something in there that, not on purpose, influences decision making?
“They guarantee me there isn’t. But they are human and Man City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing, a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham.
“If I had to upset someone in the street and there’s a big and little guy in the street, I’m upsetting the little guy.”
Sporting director Matt Hobbs was charged by the FA following the same fixture, accused of 'acting in an improper manner and/or used abusive words towards the match official/s around the tunnel area after the final whistle'.
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