Gary O'Neil: Wolves boss contacted by FA for comments after Man City defeat

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been contacted by the Football Association after suggesting referees may have a problem with unconscious bias against bigger clubs.

The FA asked O'Neil for his observations following his post-match comments following Wolves' recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

John Stones' stoppage-time header was eventually awarded following a pitchside review by referee Chris Kavanagh, having initially been disallowed for offside while Bernardo Silva was in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa.

O'Neil remained calm in his post-match comments, reiterating that he does not believe there was any knowing bias but will now have to explain his comments to the FA, who will decide whether further action will be taken.

O'Neil said on Sunday: “There's no chance people are deliberately against Wolves, let's be clear about that. But is there something in the subconscious that goes into the decision making – without even knowing it, you are more likely to let Man City win than Wolves?”

“My senses are heightened when we play against Man City. Are the officials the same? When it comes to (Erling) Haaland and Man City, is there anything that, not intentionally, influences the decision-making?”

“You guarantee me that is not the case. But they are human and for Man City to score a last-minute winner is a big deal, a bigger deal than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham.”

“If I had to piss someone off on the street and there’s a big guy and a little guy on the street, I’ll piss off the little guy.”