Wolves boss blasts the ‘scandalous’ thing that happened during Newcastle United draw

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil blasted the decision to award Newcastle United a first-half penalty during his side’s 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle United.

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

But 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.

United head coach Eddie Howe admitted the decision was “contentious” as O’Neil unleashed his rage during his post-match press conference.

O’Neil said: “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.”

O’Neil went on to claim his team were the better side and suggested they deserved maximum points.

He added: “I thought we were the better side, I did. The goals Newcastle scored, there was a bit of a mix-up and we were unfortunate for the first goal. The second goal was never, ever a penalty, ever. Terrible decision on-field and from VAR and we managed to bounce back.

“We were the most likely, especially in the second half, we had control, they had a few set plays towards the end but for the boys to be able to put in a performance like that against a Champions League team that I saw pull apart PSG not too long ago is a big effort for them so good point but you feel like if a few things had gone our way, just maybe we were value for three [points].