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Gary O’Neil and Andoni Iraola’s contrasting reactions after VAR ‘ruined’ Wolves 0-1 Bournemouth
Gary O’Neil and Andoni Iraola will have to agree to disagree after VAR denied Wolverhampton Wanderers an equaliser against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Hwang Hee-Chan thought he’d cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s opener as the South Korean headed in from a Nelson Semedo cross but VAR intervened, ruling out the goal after a two-minute check. Referee Stuart Attwell was prompted to look at the screen and decided to overturn the equaliser as Matheus Cunha’s arm swung into Justin Kluivert.
It was a mightily controversial decision as the incident occurred off the ball and didn’t appear to directly impact the move. Kluivert and his Bournemouth teammates didn’t appeal for a foul at the time, either, suggesting Cunha wasn’t overly in the wrong. But that’s not how the officials saw it as the goal was overturned and Wolves couldn’t earn a point – even against 10 men at the end.
O’Neil and Iraola, unsurprisingly quizzed about Hwang’s disallowed header in the post-match press conference, gave contrasting reactions. The Wolves boss, thinking back to countless other VAR calls going against his team this season, was first in and reluctant to speak over the decision that most fans believe ruined the game.
“I don’t have any thoughts. I think it’s really important I focus fully on my team and Wolves. When we perform like that,” O’Neil said. “I’ve spent a lot of time answering questions about VAR and decisions. I’ve not got any thoughts on it, others will make their mind up when they see it.
“I’ve answered so many questions and ranted but then all that goes out is just me moaning or not moaning. Let’s let them guys figure out what’s correct and what’s not and let me focus on improving the players,” O’Neil continued.
The visitors’ head coach, on the other hand, had an undivided opinion to share. When asked if it was a clear and obvious decision, Iraola said: “Yes, I think so. It’s because Justin gets involved in the play after and he can’t get properly in the defence.
“Everyone sees the foul – I think it could be controversial if he doesn’t participate anymore but he couldn’t participate to defend the cross. I don’t think it’s controversial,” Iraola concluded.
