Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi has said that officiating in the Premier League must be reviewed to uphold the integrity of the division.
Shi released the extraordinary public statement a day after Wolves were the victims of yet another contentious VAR call. Trailing 2-1 to West Ham at Molineux, Gary O’Neil’s side thought they had salvaged a point in the ninth minute of injury time courtesy of a Max Kilman header.
However, after a lengthy VAR check, referee Tony Harrington was advised to check the pitchside monitor with Tawanda Chirewa adjudged to be in an offside position, obstructing Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
O’Neil branded the decision as one of the worst he had ever witnessed, with defeat effectively ending their remote hopes of securing European football. And in defence of the club’s manager, Shi has penned an open letter, questioning whether protocols need to be changed.
The statement reads: “When a goal is scored and not one person inside the stadium questions the validity of that goal, including both sets of players, coaches, fans and even the match officials themselves, it’s time to question whether someone remote disallowing that goal is really what football wants or needs.
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“It is our sincere hope that the Premier League and PGMOL recognise the importance of addressing these concerns to uphold the integrity of the competition and demonstrate why the Premier League is regarded as the best in the world.”
O’Neil risked further sanctions with his public criticism of Harrington: "It is possibly the worst decision I have ever seen.
"If your knowledge and understanding of the game is really poor, you could reach the conclusion that is offside.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi released the statement on Sunday morning"If you are a Premier League official working at the highest level, I would be really disappointed if you thought that was offside. The only way that can be offside is if he stops Fabianski's ability to move or impedes his vision. Only the referee and VAR think that could possibly be offside."
The Wolves boss went on to admit that there was a feeling within his dressing room that the number of decisions has led to many thinking they are being disrespected. “We had discussions earlier in the season about them wanting to show that they don’t feel like they’re respected by the officials and that has resurfaced today. It’s hard for me to convince them otherwise when you look at the decisions which have gone against us.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was similarly perplexed and suggested now was the time to implement an appeal system into the use of the technology.
Gary O'Neil was furious at the decision which cost his side (Getty Images)He said: “I continue to say, because VAR is taking over, the only way to get out of this is to go to an appeals system like they have in other sports. I genuinely think that’s the only way. Maybe one per half. If you’re right in your appeal, you keep that. I don’t think anyone would appeal for that.”
Ian Wright hit back at that idea though, responding: “You’re still going to people that are operating VAR and getting it wrong so often!”
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