Unbelievable: Misunderstanding has resulted in the suspension of Wolversham Wanderers head coach
Gary O’Neill received an apology from Premier League referees’ chief Jon Moss, who also informed him that Wolves were not awarded a “blatant” stoppage-time penalty during their 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Deep into extra time, United’s rookie goalkeeper Andre Onana collided with Sasa Kalajdzic. Simon Hooper did not react, and VAR Michael Salisbury declared there was no foul. An astonished O’Neil was instead booked for his response.
After the game, O’Neil claimed he thought Onana was attempting to sever Kalajdzic’s head. He also disclosed that Moss had promptly apologized to him.
“I just spoke with Jon Moss, and it’s fair that he said right away that it was a clear penalty and that it should have
“I feel awful sometimes. I’ve been with him most of the day, attempting to grasp the new rules and how to avoid getting myself into trouble—a task at which I have failed miserably, but props to Jon for coming out.
“He claimed it was evident and clear, and he finds it unbelievable that both VAR and the on-field referee failed to award it. To be honest, it’s probably made me feel worse because, when you realize you’re right, you feel worse about leaving empty-handed.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, attempted to downplay the incident, but he was hardly the only one who believed the officials made the right call.
“We are happy that VAR reviewed it and decided not to award it,” the
“We are happy that VAR reviewed it and decided not to award it,” the Dutchman stated. It has to do with the VAR and the referee. I believe the two players came together, and Andre didn’t obstruct their play because the ball was touched first, then Andre arrived.
Not only did the contentious call give United the impression that they were fortunate to win their Premier League opener, but Raphael Varane’s header in the 76th minute also contributed to the impression that the home team played laboriously.
O’Neil had only been in the position for a few days when the Wolves made an impression with their attacking intent. They made the most goal attempts of any visiting team at Old Trafford since Chelsea, with 23.
25 in November 2005, another game in which United prevailed 1-0.
Although the Wolves’ struggles with goal scoring were all too common last season, O’Neil was encouraged by what he saw.
“Very well done, boys,” O’Neil remarked. “There has been some negative publicity about the location, but they have fulfilled our requests and competed fiercely at a challenging venue; they are disappointed.
“We should have received at least a point given the number of shots we’ve had and the anticipated goals.
“After four days, tonight is a big step toward where we want to take the group and bigger picture stuff.” Arriving at this location, things could have transpired quite differently.
United had trouble locating
