Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola criticised the VAR process that led to defender Illia Zabarnyi’s 31st-minute red card as his side lost 1-0 to Wolves to miss the chance to go fourth in the Premier League.
Referee Michael Salisbury was called pitchside at the Vitality Stadium to review Zabarnyi’s tackle on Rayan Ait-Nouri and deemed it amounted to serious foul play, leaving the home side to play almost an hour with 10 men.
Wolves scored their winner five minutes later, Matheus Cunha netting his 13th league goal of the season to move his team five points clear of the relegation zone after Dean Huijsen failed to deal with Marshall Munetsi’s cross.
Iraola, whose side lost for only the second time in 14 league matches, appeared to suggest the referee had been misleadingly shown replays that made Zabarnyi’s challenge look worse than it was.
The defender was initially shown a yellow card for the tackle, in which he won the ball but clearly left his studs high on the ankle of Ait-Nouri.
“I don’t understand the process and the consequences of the red card,” said Iraola.
“The process, the referee sees it live at normal speed, in the perfect spot. He takes the decision of a foul and a yellow card. The VAR to intervene has to be clear and obvious.
“I think everyone who has played football knows that (Zabarnyi) goes on the floor, and after touching the ball he slips, and there is a kick to the Wolves player.
“When I’ve seen that the VAR takes the decision, if there are six angles, instead of showing the six they show the worst angle, because from five angles you think it’s a yellow card. From one angle you think it’s a red card.
“In slow motion, stopping in the worst moment they have taken the decision. The referee didn’t have any other chance but to show the red card.”
The decision prompted a wave of discontent from home supporters who jeered the officials for the remainder of the match, though the team looked to ride the wave of their indignation and almost took the lead moments later when Dango Ouattara drew an excellent near-post stop from Jose Sa.
Kepa Arrizabalaga in Bournemouth’s goal earlier produced two fine saves of his own, first from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s rebound after Nelson Semedo had hit a post, then diving full-stretch to turn away Cunha’s curling effort.
They would later make their numerical advantage pay. Joao Gomes knocked a short pass back to Munetsi who swung over a cross that bamboozled Huijsen, attempting to clear with his head when his foot might have served, and allowed the ball to reach Cunha in space who swept it high into the net.
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said: “It’s not easy to come here and get points. I came with a spirit to get these three points.
“I’m happy because the team had emotional balance. What happens a lot of times, when a team starts to play with one more player they can start to lose balance and positional play, and the other team scores. Today we kept our balance.
“I’m happy. Three points and we deserved it. I think I deserve a pint.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025