Premier League
Wolves Boss Gary O’Neil Handed One-match Ban
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has been given a one-match touchline ban and fined £8,000 ($9,981) for his “threatening” conduct following the team’s 2-1 Premier League loss to West Ham United last month, announced the Football Association (FA) on Tuesday.
Wolves were left fuming on April 6 as a last-minute goal by Max Kilman was disallowed by referee Tony Harrington following a VAR review for offside against Tawanda Chirewa, who was positioned ahead of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
O’Neil had described the call as a “scandalous” and “horrendous” decision while Wolves chairman Jeff Shi urged the Premier League and referees’ body to “uphold the integrity” of the league.
O’Neil faced a charge of “threatening” conduct following the referee’s decision. The FA confirmed that O’Neil has accepted the charge and will be prohibited from being in the dugout for Wolves’ match against title-contenders Manchester City on Saturday.
“It was alleged that following the completion of the fixture, his language and/or behavior in or around the match officials’ changing room was improper and/or threatening,” the FA said in a statement. “Mr O’Neil admitted the charge and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.”
Following their match against Manchester City, Wolves will host Crystal Palace and then travel to face Liverpool in the league.
