Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has been contacted by the Football Association after he suggested referees could have a problem with unconscious bias towards bigger clubs.
The FA has asked O’Neil for his observations following his post-match comments after Wolves’ last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.
John Stones’ injury-time header was eventually awarded following a pitch side review by referee Chris Kavanagh after it had initially been disallowed for offside, with Bernardo Silva standing in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa.
O’Neil remained calm in his post-match comments and reiterated he does not believe there is any knowing bias but will now have to explain his remarks to the FA which will decide whether to take any further action.
O’Neil said on Sunday: “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.” BBC
