Wolves suffer suspension blow ahead of Man City clash

The FA have confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil will serve a touchline suspension for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City.

The ex-Bournemouth boss claimed a VAR decision that disallowed a late equaliser against West Ham United on 6 April was ‘scandalous’ and ‘horrendous’, during his post-match interview. He was charged by the FA and on Tuesday night was issued with an automatic one-match touchline ban.

It means he will not be on the sidelines when Wolves take on City this weekend. Assistant manager Tim Jenkins is expected to take O’Neil’s place in the dugout at the Etihad.

“Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has been suspended from the touchline for one match and fined £8,000 following the Premier League fixture against West Ham United on Saturday, 6 April 2024,” the FA said in a statement.

"It was alleged that following the completion of the fixture, his language and/or behaviour in or around the match officials’ changing room was improper and/or threatening. Mr O’Neil admitted the charge and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission."

O’Neil has previously been outspoken on several refereeing decisions which haven’t gone in favour of his side this season. In November, the 40-year-old said he felt VAR was ‘causing a big problem’ in the Premier League and added he would not seek an explanation from referee chief Howard Webb.

“It's six, seven points now that have gone against us, and I'm managing a big football club here where the big difference you're making to my reputation, the club's progression up the league and to people's livelihoods is huge,” he said after a 3-2 loss to Fulham.

"It can't be with all the technology and all the time in the biggest league in the world that we're getting so many wrong. It can't be OK.”

Despite O’Neil’s frustrations with officials, Wolves are enjoying a positive season under his watch and are currently 11th the table with three games remaining.