FORMER Gary O’Neil, Cherries manager, may be absent from the sidelines when his former club visits Wolverhampton Wanderers later this month after the Wolves’ head coach was accused by the FA.
O’Neil was incensed at the weekend when Wolves were denied a last-minute equaliser against West Ham United due to a disputed offside judgment that disallowed Max Kilman’s strike.
On the field after the game, Wolves players and O’Neil were seen arguing with match official Tony Harrington, with the former AFC Bournemouth manager later attempting to meet with the referee in his changing room.
The FA spokeswoman stated, “Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following the Premier League encounter against West Ham United on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
“It is alleged that after the game, his language and/or attitude in or around the match officials’ changing rooms was inappropriate and/or intimidating.
“He has until Monday 15 April 2024 to respond to the charge.”
O’Neil confessed immediately after the event that he was likely to face consequences, claiming that the referee declined to engage with him.
Speaking about the incident after the game, O’Neil stated: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to control my emotion and feelings well enough to receive an explanation.”
“I was in with the referee, but things did not go well. I have not received an explanation, but it is meaningless because everyone I’ve spoken with, including David Moyes and Fabianski, can’t believe it was given for offside.
“I was in a foul mood when the final whistle blew.
“I went in and asked him a few questions. He didn’t like how they were asked, so he decided it was better if we didn’t discuss it.”
Depending on the timing and outcome of the charge, O’Neil is likely to receive a touchline ban.
A breach of E3.1 is typically punished with a fine and a one-match touchline ban, although depending on the severity of the act, a longer suspension may be imposed.
AFC Bournemouth are scheduled to visit Molineux on Wednesday, April 24 to face Wolves in a Premier League match, with any suspension expected to take effect before Wolves’ next match against Arsenal on Saturday, April 20.
