Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil stated that the decision to allow John Stones’ goal in their 2-1 defeat against Manchester City “did feel like a harsh one”.
Stones, 30, headed home a stoppage-time winner to seal all three points at Molineux, but there was controversy after the fourth official initially ruled that Bernardo Silva was adjudged to have been offside and disallowed the goal.
However, VAR deemed Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.
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Speaking post-match, O’Neil compared the decision to Maximilian Kilman’s goal that was ruled out for offside last season. While he thought it was harsh, O’Neil was disappointed for his players that they could not pick up a point on Sunday.
“It was similar to a goal (Wolves had disallowed) against West Ham last season,” O’Neil said to Sky Sports.
“We sent an image to referees showing with proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason were given was the player was in close proximity. The same argument could be said here but we just have to accept it.
“I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect. We don’t want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one.
“I am proud of the players though. An unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing.”
The result means Wolves return to the bottom of the table, and are winless from their opening eight Premier League matches.
(Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
