Some Wolves fans were wondering if Gary O’Neil might have landed himself in a bit of hot water with the comments he made after the defeat to Manchester City.
Gary O’Neil watched his side lose right at the death against City, with John Stones scoring a header from a corner.
There was controversy about the goal due to the position of Bernardo Silva.
He was stood right in front of Jose Sa when Phil Foden was taking the corner, but moved away as Stones headed it in.
Silva was deemed not to have been interfering from his offside position when Stones made contact with the ball.
What Gary O’Neil said after Wolves lost to Man City
After the game, a frustrated O’Neil made suggestions that Premier League officials show unconscious bias towards ‘bigger’ clubs in the division.
Choosing his words very carefully, he said (via Sky Sports): “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?
“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.”
O’Neil escapes punishment from the FA
It has been reported this afternoon by the E&S that O’Neil has managed to escape potential punishment following his post-City comments.
He had been asked for his observations, and some wondered if O’Neil could potentially be in a bit of trouble.
There was a possibility that he could have been given a touchline ban. But he has been let off with a warning.
O’Neil has also been ‘reminded of his responsibilities’ moving forward.
Fans support O’Neil as Wolves boss escapes touchline ban
On social media, O’Neil has actually received a fair bit of support from fans.
For a lot of people, the Wolves manager spoke very well after the defeat to City and chose his words carefully to ensure he did not get in trouble but make his point known.
Many people were essentially saying the same thing – that the FA knew what O’Neil said was actually right.
Good news for Wolves
There was probably little danger of O’Neil getting a touchline ban for the suggestions he made after the defeat to City.
He just about stayed on the right side of the line after choosing his words carefully.
Thankfully, he will be on the touchline as normal for a hugely important game against Crystal Palace this weekend.
The players are clearly still behind O’Neil, so to have him in the stands at this moment in time would be far from ideal.