Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Claims Subconscious Bias of Referees Favours Big Clubs Such As Manchester City

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has accused Premier League referees of having a subconscious bias towards Manchester City and other top clubs.

O’Neil Claims Subconscious Bias Favours Big Clubs

The claim comes after Wolves were on the receiving end of a controversial VAR decision that allowed John Stones’ late header to stand in their 2-1 defeat to City at Molineux.

O’Neil believes that while referees are not intentionally favouring bigger clubs, their subconscious biases could be influencing their decision-making in tight situations.

“There’s no chance that people are purposely against Wolves,” he said. “But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”

He added, “My focus and my senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and Pep (Guardiola) and (Erling) Haaland. Are the officials the same when it’s Haaland and when it’s Manchester City?

O’Neil pointed to similar incidents in the past, including a goal that was wrongly disallowed against West Ham last season, as evidence of this bias.

“I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys.

“But there is something in there, and they definitely don’t do it on purpose. I know they’re 100 percent honest, and they’re doing the best job they can, and I respect them fully.

“But maybe there’s something that just edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”

Guardiola Says Officials Got Stones Decision Right

However, City boss Pep Guardiola dismissed O’Neil’s claims, stating that the referee’s decision was correct and that Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa had a clear view of the ball.

Guardiola praised his team’s patience and resilience in securing the victory, which helped them capitalise on Arsenal’s slip-up to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The incident has once again reignited the debate about the use of VAR in the Premier League and the potential for human error to influence key decisions.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if O’Neil’s claims gain further traction and whether any changes are made to the VAR system.