Premier League director charged by FA in the aftermath of ‘scandalous’ Newcastle United decision

Wolverhampton Wanderers sporting director Matt Hobbs has been charged by the FA in the aftermath of Newcastle United’s controversial 2-2 draw at Molineux on Saturday evening.

The Magpies twice led through Callum Wilson but were pegged back via goals from Mario Lemina and Hee-Chan Hwang as both teams extended respective unbeaten Premier League runs.

But as mentioned, the evening wasn’t without its controversy when Fabian Schar went to ground in the box under a challenge by Hwang. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and the on-field decision stood after a lengthy VAR check.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil branded the decision “terrible” and “scandalous” and former top-flight referee Dermot Gallagher agreed the officials reached the wrong decision.

Frustrations were high inside Molineux and now the FA has charged Hobbs for allegedly directing ‘improper’, ‘abusive’ or ‘insulting’ language at an official in the tunnel after the game.

“Wolverhampton Wanderers' sporting director, Matt Hobbs, has been charged with misconduct following their Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, 28 October,” an FA Spokesperson said.

“It's alleged that his language towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting. Matt Hobbs has until Monday, 6 November, to provide a response.”

Summing up Wolves’ anger after the match, O’Neil told journalists: “There wasn’t a penalty in the first half. It’s a scandalous decision. Terrible. It was a terrible on-field decision and terrible that VAR didn’t intervene. I think they got it badly wrong.

“He goes to clear the ball and makes such minimal contact with Schar, hardly any, just a glance of the boot.

“Schar is already on his way down and the ball actually hits Channy’s (Chan) other boot before he even makes contact with Schar, so technically Chan gets the ball before he contacts Schar. That’s why it was a terrible decision.”