Premier League informs clubs of decision as Wolves humiliated by Aston Villa and rivals

Gary O’Neil’s side kick-started a rebellion against the use of VAR in the Premier League after a succession of poor decisions.

But, following an official referendum at the English top flight’s annual general meeting, the decision has been finalised to keep VAR. Not only did Wolves lose their motion but it was a humiliating defeat with not a single club joining forces.

The Telegraph reports the official score was 19-1 in favour of VAR staying put, with Wolves the only team voting to get rid. It’s said the other 19 clubs are keen to see if the announced improvements - including the implementation of semi-automated offsides - will help revoke VAR’s issues.

The Old Gold, committed to trying to return English football to its former state, will feel aggrieved. It’s no wonder as a total of seven big calls went against Wolves last season, beginning when VAR failed to award a penalty away at Manchester United as Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic and Craig Dawson.

Other decisions included the failure to overturn a Luton Town penalty in September’s 1-1 draw, similar spot-kick blunders in the 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle United and 2-1 loss at Sheffield United, and Maximilian Kilman’s disallowed goal against West Ham United in April.

Gary O’Neil rarely shies away from VAR shade

That most recent intervention acted as the final straw for Wolves head coach O’Neil as he spoke aggressively to referee Tony Harrington outside the officials’ dressing room and received a one-match ban from the Football Association.

"I wasn't able to control my emotion well enough to get an explanation," O'Neil said after the game. "The referee said he would rather not discuss it given how I was acting. If you are a Premier League official working at the highest level, I would be really disappointed if you thought that was offside,” O’Neil continued, days before receiving his punishment.