Wolves’ Gary O’Neil charged by FA after criticising ‘scandalous’ refereeing

· Manager was left furious after decisions in West Ham game
· Kompany handed touchline ban after misconduct charge·

Posted Friday, April 12, 2024 by theguardian.com

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil (centre) speaks to referee Tony Harrington after a late goal for his side is ruled out against West Ham.

The Wolves manager, Gary O'Neil, has been charged for his behaviour after the controversial refereeing call in his team's 2-1 Premier League defeat by West Ham last weekend.

Wolves were left fuming when a stoppage-time equaliser from Max Kilman was ruled out after a VAR check for offside against Tawanda Chirewa, who was in front of the goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

O'Neil described the call as a “scandalous” and “horrendous” decision and the Wolves chairman, Jeff Shi, urged the Premier League and referees' body to “uphold the integrity” of the league.

“It's alleged that following the completion of the fixture, his [O'Neil's] language and/or behaviour in or around the match officials' changing rooms was improper and/or threatening,” the Football Association said in a statement.

O'Neil has until Monday to respond to the charge. Wolves, who are 11th, visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Burnley manager, Vincent Kompany, has been handed a two-match touchline ban – with the second match suspended – and fined after being charged with misconduct over his protests in last month's 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea.

Kompany was shown a red card for protesting against a penalty decision when Burnley's Lorenz Assignon received a second yellow card for a foul. The Belgian will serve a touchline ban for the home game against Brighton on Saturday, with the second match suspended until 31 December.

“The manager admitted that his language and/or behaviour in the 40th minute of the fixture was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting towards a match official and/or questioned the integrity of a match official,” the FA said in a statement.

Kompany was also fined £10,000. Burnley are second-bottom, six points from the safety zone with six games left.