Wolves have lost 1-0 to Manchester United in their first Premier League game of the new season – and there was controversy right at the end.
Wolves were pushing for an equaliser after Raphael Varane had scored against the run of play.
Pedro Neto put a high ball into the box, and United goalkeeper Andre Onana charged out and attempted to punch the ball clear.
The Cameroon international missed the ball, and clattered Sasa Kalajdzic.
For some incredible reason, referee Simon Hooper did not award a penalty kick.
VAR Michael Salisbury upheld the decision after a check, and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil was then booked for remonstrating.
Now, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has had his say on the huge incident.
Keith Hackett stunned no penalty was given for Andre Onana foul
Taking to Twitter, Hackett said in a string of tweets: “Goalkeeper takes out the Wolves player. Referee Hooper must have seen that. It was a foul challenge and a penalty kick to Wolves. No VAR intervention. Oh dear!! Not a good night for the match officials.
“So that foul challenge by the Man Utd goalkeeper which Ref Hooper failed to award a PK. The PGMOL state it is not a clear and obvious error- Don’t pull the wool over the eyes of those that saw it. This was an obvious foul. Ref should have pointed to the mark. VAR wrong also.”
Wolves robbed
It was a ridiculous decision not to award Wolves a penalty for the challenge by Onana.
He was nowhere near the ball and could have seriously hurt Kalajdzic.
But Wolves fans will hardly be surprised by the call.
Last season, Wanderers were on the receiving end of a string of terrible decisions from referees and VAR officials.
It was a real shame, because Wolves deserved something from this game.
There is no telling if Wolves would have scored the penalty had it been given. But it was a spot-kick they should definitely should have had.