Wolves vs Newcastle United turned out to be a pulsating Premier League game of football, but it was marred by a controversial penalty decision – which pundit Stephen Warnock has now branded ‘astonishing’.
Wanderers made it five games without defeat on Saturday, drawing 2-2 with the Magpies at Molineux.
Gary O’Neil‘s side put in a really good display and showed good character to come from behind twice.
Callum Wilson first took advantage of some poor goalkeeping from Jose Sa. But Mario Lemina then equalised, heading home a Pedro Neto corner.
But then came the controversial decision. Hwang Hee-chan was adjudged to have kicked Fabian Schar as he was clearing the ball.
Replays showed the South Korean stopped his motion at the last moment, and Schar initiated the contact.
The decision has been slammed by many, including Sky pundit Karen Carney. And now, former Premier League full-back Warnock has also expressed his dismay about the decision…
Stephen Warnock horrified by decision to award Newcastle a penalty against Wolves
Today, the penalty incident involving Hwang and Schar was discussed on Sky Sports’ Red Watch show.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher stated that he did not think it should have been a penalty. And Sue Smith and Warnock both agreed.
Warnock was simply staggered that the decision was not overturned by VAR.
He said: “Howard Webb was brought in to improve the situation. He came in all guns blazing, saying he was going to do things better. And that there were going to be clear lines of communication and what was going to happen. It’s regressed and it’s not improved at all.
“It’s a worrying sign at the moment that VAR is getting to this point. How that has not been overturned is just astonishing. Imagine you’re Gary O’Neil. You’re thinking, Manchester United game, that (Newcastle) game and the Luton game. Three big decisions that can change your season.”
Another VAR howler
It was incredible to see that VAR did not overturn Anthony Taylor’s decision.
It is understandable that the penalty was awarded by Taylor, because it happened very quickly and he wasn’t too close to it.
But in those situations you expect VAR to come in and reach the correct decision.
But once again, Wolves have been stung by refereeing incompetence. It is something the club have frustratingly grown used to over the past year or so.
It is little wonder O’Neil was a bit spiky in his post-match interview when talking about VAR and the standard of officiating. His job is hard enough without fairly simple and easy-to-make decisions going against him.