Gary O’Neil warned by the FA over probe into furious remarks made about Man City’s controversial late winner – but stop short of sanctioning Wolves boss
- The FA has warned Gary O’Neil over strong comments he made about referees
- O’Neil was previously furious after Man City scored a late winner against Wolves
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Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil has been reprimanded by the Football Association but escaped punishment after insinuating referees favored bigger clubs.
O’Neil was asked by the FA to explain his comments following the latest loss to Manchester City earlier this month following John Stones’ late winner in a 2-1 victory for the champions.
Stones’ header was ultimately awarded following an on-pitch VAR review by referee Chris Kavanagh, after it was initially ruled out for offside as Bernardo Silva was in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa.
And the FA has warned O’Neil and reminded him of his responsibilities following an investigation into his comments, but has failed to formally sanction the 41-year-old.
O’Neil said after the match: ‘There’s no chance of people being deliberately against Wolves, let’s be clear.
Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil has been reprimanded by the Football Association after insinuating that referees favored bigger clubs.
O’Neil was left sad after Man City’s controversial late winner against Wolves earlier in October
The FA has warned O’Neil and reminded him of his responsibilities following an investigation into his comments, but has failed to formally sanction the 41-year-old.
‘But is there something in the subconscious surrounding decision-making? Are you more likely to unknowingly give it to Man City than to Wolves?
‘My senses are heightened when we face Manchester City, are the officials the same? When it is [Erling] Haaland and Man City, is there something in there that, not on purpose, influences the decision-making?
‘They guarantee me that is not the case. But they are human and Man City scoring a last-minute winner is something big, something bigger than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham.
“If I have to upset someone on the street and there’s a big guy and a little guy on the street, I’m going to upset the little guy.”
Wolves remain without a win this season, but did celebrate a 2-2 draw against Brighton this weekend
Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs was charged with misconduct by the FA over an incident following the loss to City.
Hobbs confronted the match officials in the tunnel after the full-time whistle of the defeat to City and Kavanagh included the incident in his report.