Wolves news: Monday Night Club’s Rory Smith on Gary O’Neil comments

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club discussed Wolves boss Gary O’Neil’s comments following his side’s last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Manchester City on Sunday.

O’Neil suggested referees could have a problem with unconscious bias towards bigger clubs, after John Stones’ late header was awarded following a VAR check.

New York Times journalist Rory Smith: “I think the VARs probably do feel it [the heat of a match situation] because it’s not just the influence of a manager or a crowd screaming at you. I think it’s an awareness of the fallout that can come from giving a decision against a bigger team.

“I think referees have always had that unconscious bias and I think it doesn’t just apply to Manchester City – I think it applies to any team at any point in history that is considered as ‘big’.

“Everything is subjective, everything is a grey area and there’s loads of interpretation. We are trying to use technology to solve that subjectivity, which will never work to anybody’s satisfaction.

“The people in the VAR room, just like the referee on the field, know full well that if you give a decision against one of the major teams, the fallout is greater than if you give a decision against one of the ‘smaller’ teams.

“That is perfectly natural and that is the most human quality about PGMOL, so I think we should probably be supportive of it, because it makes them, as Gary O’Neil said, ‘human’.

“The fact the FA have contacted him is nonsensical because there are reams of psychological research into heuristics and biases. I’m certain that one around pressure, and knowing the consequences of your actions, taking the path of least resistance – I’m certain that is one of them.”

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds