Gary O’Neil
In a recent development reported by the PA news agency, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has attracted the attention of the Football Association (FA) following remarks about Premier League referees potentially having a “subconscious” inclination towards favoring larger clubs. This speculation arose after a controversial goal initially disallowed for offside. The incident in question involved Bernardo Silva standing in front of Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa when John Stones scored a header. O’Neil clarified his stance, stating he does not believe referees intentionally side with top-tier teams but suggested an unintentional bias, prompting the FA to request further clarification from him.
Gary 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.”
The decision in question hinged on whether Silva, who was in an offside position, obstructed goalkeeper Sa’s view as he attempted to save the header by Stones. According to the Premier League’s match center, the initial on-field decision to disallow the goal was overturned when it was ruled that Silva’s positioning did not block Sa’s view.
The Premier League’s match center tweeted: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. The referee overturned his original decision, and a goal was awarded.”
