Wolves boss Gary O'Neil could be in hot water following 'bias' comments after Man City winner
Wolves were beaten after a controversial, 95th minute winner for Manchester City, with manager Gary O'Neil hinting his side could be victims of 'sub-conscious bias' from officials
by Neil Moxley · The MirrorGary O’Neil could be in hot water over his comments about sub-conscious bias among referees.
The Football Association contacted the Wolves boss and asked for his observations after John Stones ’s injury-time header condemned them to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at Molineux.
O’Neil, whose club called for VAR to be scrapped last season, was unhappy that the goal was given and suggested that the match officials might be favouring the big teams unintentionally.
The Molineux chief cited an incident last season when, in similar circumstances, a goal against West Ham was chalked off for offside.
On this occasion, the Premier League revealed the reason for the overturn with a statement reading: "Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
"The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded."
And while O'Neil strongly dismissed any suggestions of bias against his side, he did bring up the idea of referees sub-consciously favouring some of the bigger clubs. He said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves - if we ever get to that, then the game’s in a bad place.
“But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making? Without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?
“Referees are human, and Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing, so maybe there’s something subconsciously that you’re less likely to get those decisions.
“I can tell you categorically that referees are 100 per cent honest and they are doing the best they can.
“I just know that from a human point of view, I feel different playing Manchester City than I do when we play someone in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
“I’m sure the officials feel the same. They feel it. They’re human. Now, I might be miles off. But if I had to upset someone in the street and there’s a big guy and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little one.”
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.