“Scandalous, Crazy that a Premier League referee can stand in front of a screen and get it so bad, One of the worst decisions I’ve ever witnessed”- Gary O’Neil confirms David Moyes & Fabianski admitted referee error to disallow goal as Wolves manager blasts controversial decision
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil confirmed both David Moyes and Lukasz Fabianski felt his side should not have been denied a last-gasp equaliser in their 2-1 loss to West Ham at Molineux.
The hosts took a deserved first-half lead when Pablo Sarabia converted from the spot following an Emerson Palmeri foul. The Hammers defender thought he had made up for his error when he headed in a Mohammed Kudus cross, only for referee Tony Harrington to disallow it after making contact with Nelson Semedo.
Moyes then did see his side equalise through Lucas Paqueta. He scored from the spot after Max Kilman blocked a cross with his outstretched arm.
West Ham then took the lead when James Ward Prowse’s corner went over everyone to nestle in Jose Sa’s top corner. Wolves then pushed for an equaliser and thought they had one when Kilman powered home a Joao Gomes corner in the ninth minute of injury time.
However, Harrington was advised to consult the monitor for what was described as a ‘subjective offside’ decision with Tawanda Chirewa standing in front of Lukasz Fabianksi. And after watching replays the referee chalked the goal off sparking a furious reaction from players, supporters and coaching staff.
O’Neil ran onto the field of play at the final whistle and confronted Harrington following a result which all but ends their hopes of securing a European spot. O’Neil slammed the decision as ‘one of the worst he has ever seen’ with opposition manager and keeper both in agreement.
“My view, David Moyes ‘ view, Lukasz Fabianski’s view is that it’s a scandalous, terrible decision, I can’t understand it at all. Can’t think of an explanation to be honest, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever witnessed.
“I’ll tell you why it’s a terrible decision, the only way he can be impact the goalkeeper, is if he impacts the way he can move – which he isn’t, and whether he impacts his vision – which he isn’t. Fabianski can clearly see the ball over Tawanda’s head.
“Crazy that a Premier League referee can stand in front of a screen, with slow-motion replay and still manages to get it so badly wrong. It’s a terrible, terrible decision.”
O Neil was also asked if he had managed to get some clarity from the officials, explaining: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to control my feelings and emotions well enough to receive an explanation. I’ve been in with the referee but it didn’t go too well.
“I went in to see him, I asked some questions and he didn’t like how they were asked. So, he thought it was better that we didn’t discuss it.”
Wolves assistant coach Neil Cutler added on social media: “Another horrific decision!! Not just the decision but the arrogance after it is shocking!!”
