Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has refrained from criticizing referee Stuart Attwell, despite the official’s involvement in another contentious incident during Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory at Molineux on Wednesday night.
Attwell, who has been under fire since his role as VAR in denying Nottingham Forest three penalties in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton, was at the center of attention again after disallowing a Wolves goal for a foul on Justin Kluivert in the build-up. The decision was made after consulting with VAR Darren England, who advised Attwell to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
O’Neil, who has been vocal about VAR decisions this season, declined to comment on the specific incident, stating that his focus is on his team’s performance and that he has no problem with Attwell’s appointment to the game.
“No, no qualms at all, I hope he is OK. A tough few days for him. I hope he is doing OK,” O’Neil said. “I don’t have any thoughts on the decision, I think it is really important I focus fully on my team and Wolves.”
“I have spent a lot of time this season answering questions around VAR and decisions and I don’t have any thoughts, everyone else will see the incident and make their own decisions. My focus is fully on us.”
“I have answered your questions around it so many times after so many games and all that goes out after the game is either me moaning or not moaning about decisions.”
The decision also drew criticism from Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who said he would appeal the red card shown to Milos Kerkez for a foul on Matt Doherty. However, Iraola agreed with the decision to disallow the Wolves goal, stating that Kluivert was involved in the play and could not defend the cross properly.
“I think Justin gets involved in the play after and he cannot defend the cross properly and that is why I think it is clear and obvious and everyone sees the foul,” Iraola said.
“It would be controversial if he doesn’t affect the play and doesn’t participate anymore but he is there and the one who cannot defend the cross. I don’t think it’s controversial.”
