Manchester United v Wolves: Referees dropped after VAR penalty controversy
Football referee Simon Hooper and his two video assistants in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Monday night have been stood down from next week’s Premier League fixtures following a late penalty controversy.
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil was left incensed after United goalkeeper André Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in the penalty area while attempting to reach a cross deep into stoppage time.
On-field referee Hooper did not award a penalty, and the decision was not overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
O’Neil – who was booked for remonstrating with the referees over the decision – later revealed he had received an apology from elite referees’ manager Jon Moss.
It is now understood Hooper, VAR Michael Salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West have been dropped for next weekend, with the officials not selected for a Premier League game in the second round of fixtures.
It is also understood that the head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Howard Webb, has been in touch with Wolves after the match to apologise.
Webb, a former Premier League referee, has previously demanded a higher level of accountability as well as an open and transparent approach to officiating in football.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Monday’s defeat, O’Neil said he thought United’s debutant keeper Onana was trying to “take Kalajdzic’s head off”.
The new Wolves head coach added: “Fair play to Jon [Moss] in coming out [to talk to me].
“He said it was clear and obvious and he can’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and he can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene.
“It’s probably made me feel worse to be honest because once you know you’re right you feel worse about leaving with nothing.”
However, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag sided with the officials, telling a post-match news conference: “After the opponent touched the ball he dived in, so it was the judgement of the officials and lucky for us no penalty.
“I think you can debate it, but I think no penalty.”