Gary O’Neil warned by the FA over probe into furious remarks made about Man City’s controversial late winner – but stop short of sanctioning Wolves boss

Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil has been reprimanded by the Football Association but escaped punishment after insinuating referees operated with a bias towards bigger clubs.

O’Neil was asked to explain his remarks by the FA following the last-gasp loss to Manchester City earlier this month after John Stones’ late winner in a 2-1 victory for the champions.

Stones’ header was eventually awarded following a VAR pitchside review by referee Chris Kavanagh after it had initially been disallowed for offside because Bernardo Silva standing in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa.

And the FA have warned O’Neil and reminded him of his responsibilities after a probe into his comments but have fallen short of formally sanctioning the 41-year-old.

O’Neil said after the game: ‘There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves, let’s be clear.

O’Neil was left aggrieved after Man City’s controversial late winner against Wolves earlier in October

The FA have warned O’Neil and reminded him of his responsibilities after a probe into his comments but have fallen short of formally sanctioning the 41-year-old

‘But is there something in the subconscious around the decision making – without even knowing it are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?

‘My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City, are the officials the same? When it’s [Erling] Haaland and Man City is there something in there that, not on purpose, influences decision making?

‘They guarantee me there isn’t. But they are human and Man City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing, a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham.

‘If I had to upset someone in the street and there’s a big and little guy in the street, I’m upsetting the little guy.’

Wolves remain without a win this season but celebrated a 2-2 draw against Brighton at the weekend

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs was charged with misconduct by the FA for an incident following the loss to City.

Hobbs confronted the match officials in the tunnel after the full-time whistle in the loss to City and Kavanagh included the incident in his report.