In a nail-biting clash at Molineux, West Ham clinched a crucial victory with a comeback win against Wolves, but not without controversy as a late equalizer for the hosts was overturned by VAR.
Wolves’ manager, Gary O’Neil, disclosed that both David Moyes and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski shared the sentiment that his team should not have been denied a dramatic last-minute equalizer in their 2-1 defeat to West Ham at Molineux.
The home team secured a well-deserved lead in the first half when Pablo Sarabia converted from the penalty spot after Emerson Palmeri’s foul. West Ham seemed to have redeemed themselves when defender Palmeri headed in a cross from Mohammed Kudus, only for referee Tony Harrington to annul the goal after contact with Nelson Semedo.
However, Moyes’ squad managed to equalize through Lucas Paqueta, who netted from the spot following Max Kilman’s handball. West Ham then surged ahead with James Ward Prowse’s corner finding the top corner of Jose Sa’s net. Wolves pressed for an equalizer and thought they had found it when Kilman headed in a corner from Joao Gomes deep into injury time.
Yet, Harrington was prompted to review the footage for what was described as a ‘subjective offside’ infringement with Tawanda Chirewa obstructing Fabianksi’s view. After scrutinizing the replays, the referee disallowed the goal, triggering uproar from players, fans, and coaching staff alike.
At the final whistle, O’Neil confronted Harrington on the field, expressing his dismay over a decision that dashes their hopes of securing a European spot. He denounced the ruling as ‘one of the worst he has ever seen,’ a sentiment shared by the opposing manager and goalkeeper.
Expressing his frustration, O’Neil stated, “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.”
He further elaborated on why the decision was unjust, emphasizing that Chirewa’s presence didn’t impede Fabianski’s ability to see the ball.
In contrast, Moyes, while acknowledging O’Neil’s perspective, told reporters, “I think it was probably the right decision but I can understand how Gary O’Neil would see it as a very harsh call – but I thought the penalty kick in the first half was a really harsh call for us.”
O’Neil admitted to attempting to seek clarification from the officials but was unable to control his emotions sufficiently to receive an explanation. Wolves’ assistant coach Neil Cutler criticized the decision on social media, branding it as “another horrific decision,” particularly condemning the officials’ post-decision demeanor.
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