Wolves manager Gary O’Neil handed touchline ban and fine for post-match conduct

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has been slapped with a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 fine for his outburst following his team’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to West Ham earlier this month. O’Neil was left seething after Max Kilman’s last-minute equalizer was controversially ruled out for offside, sparking a heated confrontation with referee Tony Harrington.

The incident occurred in the dying moments of the match when Tawanda Chirewa was deemed to be obstructing West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, leading to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review. O’Neil, who described the decision as “one of the worst I’ve ever witnessed,” vented his frustration towards the match officials, resulting in his subsequent ban and fine.

The Football Association (FA) confirmed O’Neil’s punishment, stating that his behavior towards the officials was deemed “improper and/or threatening.” As a result, O’Neil will be forced to watch his team’s upcoming clash against Manchester City from the stands.

Despite his ban, O’Neil remains adamant that the goal should have stood, questioning the officials’ interpretation of the offside rule. However, the Key Match Incidents panel, responsible for reviewing contentious decisions, stood by the referee and VAR’s call, upholding the offside ruling.

The incident has once again reignited the debate surrounding VAR and its impact on the game, with O’Neil’s ban serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of crossing the line in the heat of the moment. As Wolves prepare to face a formidable Manchester City side without their manager on the touchline, all eyes will be on how they respond to this setback.