Premier League VAR table shows Wolves have huge reason to be angry

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been on the wrong end of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, with a staggering 20 more calls overturned against them than in their favour since the technology was introduced to the Premier League. According to EPSN data, Wolves are out in front as the most disadvantaged team by VAR, whereas West Ham sits in second place with seven additional unfavourable decisions.

Of the teams that have remained in the top flight since VAR's introduction for the 2019/20 season, Brighton have benefited from nine additional favourable rulings and Newcastle six. Alongside Wolves and the Hammers, only Tottenham and Arsenal, both from north London, have suffered from a greater number of VAR decisions going against them.

The Midlands club's disparity widened further when a John Stones goal, initially disallowed for offside in the 95th minute, was permitted after the video assistant review. In response to this controversial decision, Wolves manager Gary O'Neil expressed his bewilderment, suggesting a possible unconscious bias among referees.

Subsequently, The Football Association has reached out to O'Neil asking for his perspective on his remarks. Despite last season's call from his club to ditch VAR, O'Neil tried to clarify that he doesn't believe there's any deliberate bias at play, stating, "There's no chance people are purposely against Wolves - if we ever get to that, then the game's in a bad place."

"But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making? Without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves? " questioned one manager, suggesting that referees might unintentionally favour certain big-name clubs. "Referees are human, and Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing, so maybe there's something subconsciously that you're less likely to get those decisions.", reports the Mirror.

The gaffer's bafflement was further sparked by a comparable situation that saw a different verdict for his team. "It was similar to a goal [Wolves had disallowed] against West Ham last season," he explained to Sky Sports.

"We sent an image to referees showing with proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason given was the player was in close proximity. The same argument could be made here but we just have to accept it."

"I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect. We don't want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one. I am proud of the players though. An unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing."

Premier League VAR decisions overturned net score.

Brighton +9 Newcastle +6 Man City +5 Aston Villa +3 Crystal Palace +3 Liverpool +3 Man United +3 Chelsea +2 Everton +1 Tottenham -3 Arsenal -6 West Ham -7 Wolves -20.