Former Crystal Palace owner-turned-commentator Simon Jordan has criticized Wolves manager Gary O’Neil for his complaints about the controversial penalty decision during Saturday’s match. Wolves suffered a 2-1 defeat against Sheffield United, and there has been a lingering sense of bitterness following the game. Referee Robert Jones awarded a penalty to United in the dying moments of the match, deeming that Fabio Silva had fouled George Baldock in the penalty area, despite replays showing the defender was already falling to the ground. VAR upheld Jones’ on-field decision, and Oliver Norwood subsequently converted the penalty. According to former referee Dermot Gallagher, Jones was hasty in his decision to blow the whistle. The penalty decision has faced widespread criticism, leaving Gary O’Neil understandably upset after the game. However, Simon Jordan has accused the Wolves manager of excessive complaining.
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Simon Jordan accuses Gary O’Neil of ‘whining’ after penalty decision against Wolves
Yesterday on talkSPORT, there was a discussion regarding Mikel Arteta’s discontent after Anthony Gordon’s goal for Newcastle United against Arsenal was allowed to stand. Arteta openly criticized the match officials after the game, and the club even released a statement supporting the manager’s comments.
During the discussion, Simon Jordan expressed his thoughts on Arteta’s outburst, showing little sympathy for the Arsenal manager while also taking a swipe at Gary O’Neil as he made his point. Jordan remarked:
“In the end, there should be consequences for Arteta’s criticisms of the game’s disgraceful nature, the conduct of the officials, and the ineffectiveness of the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). Beyond all of this, and I stand by it, it’s not some sinister conspiracy theory; it’s because the officiating is beginning to assert authority over the game due to the fact that they are starting to hold players accountable… just like Gary O’Neil’s complaints about the penalty. If players stopped diving, then referees wouldn’t have to make such difficult decisions.
The crux of the matter is that officials are beginning to say, ‘We are adding extra time in certain situations because players waste time, and we are gaining more control over the game.’ There is an underlying, simmering resentment from the world of football.”
In his comments, Simon Jordan suggests that Arteta’s criticism is a part of a larger issue where football officials are trying to establish more control over the game, especially in response to players’ behaviors like diving and time-wasting.
A ridiculous assessment
It is indeed surprising to see Simon Jordan taking a stance that appears to defend the match officials in this manner. The frustration with officiating standards in the Premier League is a widespread sentiment, and fans often witness questionable decisions that impact the overall enjoyment of the game.
The comment regarding Wolves and their encounters with poor officiating highlights a specific case where the team has been adversely affected by questionable decisions, and this can be particularly frustrating for fans and the manager, such as Gary O’Neil. The point raised is that O’Neil, in this context, has shown restraint in his response to these situations, considering the potential impact on his team’s performance this season.
The argument put forth is that these criticisms aren’t merely “whining” but rather an attempt to shed light on the incompetence and mistakes of match officials, aiming to hold them accountable for their actions. It underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that correct decisions are made, as these decisions can significantly affect the outcomes of matches and, in turn, a team’s overall performance in the league.
