Wolves boss Gary O’Neil offered his sympathy to referee Stuart Attwell after the embattled match official became embroiled in further controversy in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win at Molineux.
Attwell has been in the spotlight for his VAR role in denying Nottingham Forest three penalties in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Everton, prompting Forest to hint at bias as they support relegation rivals Luton.
And controversy followed after he ruled that Matheus Cunha had fouled Justin Kluivert in an off-the-ball incident in the run-up to Hee Chan Hwang’s second-half equaliser, which appeared to have canceled out Antoine Semenyo’s opener in The first half.
It was not detected in real time, but Attwell chose to commit the foul following VAR Darren England’s advice to watch it again on the pitch monitor.
O’Neil did not want to comment on the decision, having spoken at length about VAR decisions this season, but said he had no problem with Attwell being named for the game.
Stuart Attwell was involved in a new controversy after disallowing a Wolves goal
Attwell chose to foul Justin Kluivert following the advice of VAR Darren England
‘No, I have no qualms, I hope he’s okay. A few hard days for him. I hope he’s okay,” O’Neil said.
“I have no opinion on the decision, I think it is really important that I fully concentrate on my team and the Wolves.
“I have spent a lot of time this season answering questions about VAR and decisions and I have no idea, everyone else will see the incident and make their own decisions. My focus is completely on us.
“I have answered your questions about it so many times after so many games and the only thing that comes out after the game is whether I complain or not about the decisions.”
“It doesn’t help anyone, let those guys figure out what the right decision is and let me figure out how to give this team a few more points between now and the end of the season.”
Attwell remained in the thick of the action and then showed a straight red card to Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez for a foul on Matt Doherty in a decision that survived another VAR check.
Attwell also sent off Milos Kerkez after showing him a straight red card on Wednesday night.
Cerezas coach Andoni Iraola said they would appeal the decision, but agreed with the disallowed goal.
He said: “I think Justin gets involved in the ensuing play and can’t defend the center properly and that’s why I think it’s clear and obvious and everyone sees the foul.”
‘It would be controversial if he doesn’t affect the play and doesn’t participate more, but he is there and he is the one who can’t defend the center. I don’t think he’s controversial.”