Wolves have by far been the most unlucky team with VAR decisions. From the opening day of the season they’ve been on the backend of some poor calls but where would they be in the table if decisions were given in their favour?
How much higher would Wolves be in table?
Hypothetically, if all the results stayed the same or if a decision led directly to a goal that should’ve been chalked off then Wolves would be as high as 8th in the table. They are currently in 13th.
Wolves have missed out on seven points due to poor decision making by officials in VAR.
What were the games that affected them?
Wolves’ first case goes back to the opening day of the season. In added time, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana clatters into one of Wolves’ players that looked like a certain penalty. If that had been given and if Wolves had scored it then the game would’ve finished 1-1 and that’d have been an additional point for Wolves.
Next is their match against Luton at Kenilworth road. Wolves were 1-0 up when a penalty was awarded to Luton for handball. Replays showed that the ball deflected off Joao Gomes’ leg then hit his hand. VAR decided not to get involved and overturn the decision and the game ended at 1-1. A hypothetical additional two points awarded to Wolves.
In the Wolves and Newcastle game, Hwang Hee Chan was penalised for a foul on Fabian Schar. Replays showed that Chan did stick out a leg but it didn’t make contact with Schar so the penalty decision shouldn’t have stuck but again VAR decided not to intervene. The match ended 2-2 so again an additional two points for Wolves
Next up is Brammall Lane. A stoppage time penalty was awarded to Sheffield United. A Blades player stepped in front of Fabio Silva and went down under the contact of Silva’s leg. The penalty was scored to hand Sheffield United their first win of the season. Take that penalty decision away and Wolves would’ve been awarded an additional point.
Finally, we go to Craven Cottage for more penalty drama. Joao Gomes appears to trip a Fulham player up in stoppage time but replays show that Gomes pulls out of the challenge but the Fulham player goes down anyway. Willian converts the penalty and Fulham win 3-2. Again, take that away and give Wolves an additional point.
Reactions to VAR madness
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has been fuming at VAR decisions against his team all season but the Fulham game was the final straw for him He said: “I’ve always been for VAR but I think it’s causing a big problem at the moment.
“Maybe tonight [Monday] has finally turned me against VAR. I thought it would probably help but it doesn’t seem to be.
“I’m managing a big football club here – the difference you’re making to my reputation, the club’s progression up the league, people’s livelihoods is huge.
“It can’t be with all the technology, in the best league in the world, it can’t be OK. We should discuss the game really but unfortunately we have to discuss this.”
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