Wolves boss Gary O'Neil won't 'talk players down' on VAR action
Gary O’Neil has revealed he cannot stand in the way of his players if they want to take action against the officials after another controversial VAR decision.
Wolves have been on the wrong end of several incorrect and contentious calls this season, which O’Neil says has prompted an angry response from his players.
Now, after being denied a point against West Ham with a decision that has been widely condemned, O’Neil says he cannot ‘talk down’ his players again if they choose to take action.
“I’m really disappointed that so much work went into giving us an opportunity to take something from it,” O’Neil said.
“It’s partly down to our decision making and partly down to other factors that we don’t.
“Players are unbelievably frustrated with decision making and officiating.
“They had discussions as a group of players earlier in the season around they don’t feel like they’re being respected by the officials.
“I’ve talked them down a couple of times from figuring out what they want to do about that and how they want to handle it, but I can’t expect them not to this time.
“I understand how they feel about it and whatever they decide to do about it is up to them.
“I know they feel incredibly frustrated by the decisions that have gone against us this season.”
When asked what action his players may take, or previously considered taking, O’Neil added: “I don’t want to go into detail, but they don’t feel respected by the officials.
“I spoke to them a lot earlier in the season about remaining focused and only controlling what we can control.
“But they will make their own call about how they feel about this situation and what they want to do about it.”
O’Neil said he does not know if PGMOL chief Howard Webb will offer him a conversation, after the head coach was denied a conversation with referee Tony Harrington after the game due to his frustration.
“We have a part to play in this as well,” O’Neil said.
“For the most part, I discuss things really well and calmly with them, but when you feel it doesn’t help and it hasn’t helped us at all really this season, it’s difficult not to feel frustrated and angry.
“We’ll look at my own actions and make sure I always behave in a way that’s fitting.
“But explanations are not what I need, I need the officiating to get better.”
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