Man United vs Wolves referee and VAR have been CANCELLED by the Premier League for this weekend’s games after they ‘admitted a blatant penalty error’ that helped United to victory
The officials responsible for failing to award a flagrant penalty to Wolves against Manchester United have been removed from this weekend’s Premier League schedule.
Referee Simon Hooper, VAR Michael Salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West have all been overlooked for appointments after deciding United goalkeeper Andre Onana had not committed a foul on Saka Kalajdzic despite knocking him to the ground.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said he had received an apology from refereeing chief Jon Moss for the mistake and that the officials involved will not be in charge of games this weekend.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants officials to take more responsibility for incorrect decisions this season and has been in contact with Wolves.
As Wolves pressed for a late equalizer after Raphael Varane’s goal for United, goalkeeper Onana rushed off his line to claim a cross, but completely misjudged its flight.
Man United’ keeper Andre Onana (centre black shirt) clatters Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic (right)
Despite clear contact with Kalajdzic in stoppage time, Onana was not penalized
Onana wildly missed the ball after trying to catch a cross and clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic – but VAR decided not to award a penalty or urge Simon Hooper to judge replays himself
Kalajdzic spoke to the referees at the end of the game after he was denied a penalty
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil (right) was booked for his reaction to the penalty kick
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Onana slammed into Wolves striker Kalajdzic, who was jumping for the ball with Craig Dawson, sparking loud protests from the away side and their supporters.
On-field referee Hooper did not point to the penalty spot and was not advised to watch the incident on the fieldside monitor after replays were investigated by VARs Salisbury and West. United held on for an opening night win.
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.”
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.
Onana misjudged the flight of a cross and rattled Kalajdzic as he went for a header
Hooper has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League appointments list following the incident
Michael Salisbury, who sent Jonny van Wolves off last season, was also overlooked
“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.”
But when asked if it was a penalty, Onana said: ‘No, goalkeepers make decisions, sometimes you’re right, sometimes you’re not.
“I made a decision and I am responsible for everything. For me it was contact between two big guys and nothing happened. But for us the most important thing was to win and I’m happy with the win.
“Of course I was confident (it wouldn’t be given).”
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