09 December 2023 , 15:08
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Wolves fans have made their feelings clear on VAR and told Premier League chiefs "enough is enough".
Molineux was at capacity for Saturday's clash with Nottingham Forest, with supporters in the home ends contributing to the demonstration. Thousands of cards were handed out prior to the 3pm kick off, with additional messages being placed on seats across the stadium.
Supporter group Old Gold Pack organised the demonstration with Wolves on the wrong end of several controversial officiating decisions this season. “We want to be a voice for the fans. Not just Wolves fans but fans in the Premier League in general," a spokesperson told the Express & Star.
"There is a feeling everyone is fed up with the inconsistency of VAR. It is changing the game for the worse. It’s like Gary O’Neil said, enough is enough.”
Wolves have already received multiple apologies from chief of referees Howard Webb after a string of high-profile gaffs. The first such incident occurred on the opening weekend of the season when Gary O'Neil's side were denied a clear penalty vs Manchester United, despite Andre Onana crashing into Sasa Kalajdzic.
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They have subsequently conceded questionable penalties against Luton, Sheffield United, Newcastle and most recently Fulham, with an Independent Panel suggesting at least three of those were incorrect.
O'Neil spoke after the defeat at Fulham - with the hosts scoring a penalty in injury time - about the growing sense of frustration he and his players felt. "We're probably seven points down on PGMOL reviews, depending on what they come back with this time," he added.
Thousands of protest signs were handed out prior to Wolves v Forest (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)"So that's the difference between 22 points and 15 on my reputation at a big club, trying to build as a new manager. The difference between 15 and 22 is irreparable."
"Maybe with just a human referee one of the penalties may have gone against us, but the fact that we have conceded two, for me VAR is not helping with subjective decisions. Maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR."
The club's sporting director Matt Hobbs was banned for his protestations after Newcastle were awarded a penalty despite replays showing it was an incorrect decision. An FA report claimed Hobbs ranted at referee Anthony Taylor, labelling him "f****ng useless" as he made his way into the tunnel at half time.
Wolves fans unfurled a banner during the clash with Arsenal last weekendHobbs also suggested another apology would be the way, with his actions earning him a one-match ban from the Football Association and a £4,000 fine.
The demonstration took place before a huge Premier League clash for both sides. Forest manager Steve Cooper headed to the Black Country knowing he could lose his job with another defeat after losing 5-0 to Fulham in midweek.