Wolves boss Gary O’Neil contacted by FA over comments after Manchester City loss

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has been approached by the Football Association after remarks he made suggesting Premier League referees might "subconsciously" favour larger clubs, according to PA news agency.

O'Neil's comments came after Wolves' narrow 2-1 loss at home to Manchester City, a result clinched by John Stones' controversial added-time goal, which was allowed following a VAR check by referee Chris Kavanagh.

The goal had initially been disallowed for offside as Bernardo Silva was in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa. O'Neil later clarified that he doesn't think referees intentionally side with top-tier teams but hinted at an unintentional bias, leading the FA to seek his explanation. PA understands he has been asked to offer his observations to the FA.

Post-match, 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 rested on whether Silva, positioned offside, obstructed Sa's view as he tried to save Stones' powerful header. The City midfielder seemed to move away from the goalkeeper just before his teammate's effort, with Kavanagh deciding that Sa's view of the ball wasn't blocked.

The Premier League's match centre 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 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."