Wolves boss Gary O’Neil receives an apology from refereeing boss Jon Moss after his team were denied a late penalty in a 1-0 defeat at Man United after Andre Onana ‘almost took our centre-forward’s head off’
Gary O’Neil claimed he received an apology from refereeing boss Jon Moss after Wolves were somehow denied a late penalty that would have earned them a point against Manchester United.
Deep into stoppage time, United goalkeeper Andre Onana tried to claim Pedro Neto’s cross, but instead he clattered Wolves substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to the ground.
Referee Simon Hooper did not give a penalty and although the decision was checked, VAR Michael Salisbury upheld it, bizarrely not considering Hooper’s original call as a clear and obvious mistake. An irate O’Neil was booked for his reaction and then described his conversation with Moss, who directs the Premier League referees.
“I spoke to Jon Moss and played fair against him. He apologized and said it was a blatant penalty and it should have been given,” said O’Neil. “It probably made me feel worse.
“When you know you were right about something, you feel worse when you leave a game with nothing.”
Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana (centre black shirt) clatters against Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic (right)
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil (right) was booked for his reaction to what he said was a clear penalty
Wolves had a number of grievances with officials last season and had at least one apology from refereeing chief Howard Webb. O’Neil added: “I don’t think the officials are trying to favor one side.
“I just think it’s human nature. If there’s a decision you’re unsure about, everyone would be influenced by the Old Trafford crowd and the fact that it’s Manchester United.
“That’s why I think the VAR should be able to help more in those situations. Before speaking to Jon Moss, I was told it wasn’t an obvious and obvious mistake.
It looked like the keeper almost knocked our centre-forward’s head off. If you go for the ball and the player clatters that hard, it’s a penalty.
“At first I thought the referee came by to look at the screen, but unfortunately he booked me and not Onana for crushing our centre-forward.
“I understand the rules (to stick to the decisions on the pitch as much as possible), but I don’t fully accept it. Hopefully we will get our fair share of decisions throughout the season.”
A disheartened O’Neil (pictured) revealed he had received an apology from refereeing boss Jon Moss
Kalajdzic spoke to match officials at the end of the game after he was denied a penalty
Had they conceded a penalty and scored it would have been the least Wolves deserved. United’s midfield was overrun at times, although the visitors paid for their wastage as Raphael Varane went home in the 76th minute.
United manager Erik ten Hag was critical of his side, but having started with two defeats last season, he was relieved to be wrong.
“It was a tough game,” he said. “The start of the season is always difficult and we can be much better on the ball. But we fought for our lives and we survived and got three points.
On the penalty, he added: “Obviously when the VAR looked at it and decided not to give it, we were happy. André did not interfere and it is about the decision of the VAR and the referee.’