Dermot Gallagher gives view on Wolves v West Ham controversy after Gary O’Neil ‘worst decision’ claim

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has backed the VAR decision to rule out Max Kilman’s injury time equaliser during Wolves 2-1 defeat to West Ham at Molineux.

A clearly dejected Gary O’Neil looked on in disbelief at the controversial decision as Kilman’s 99th minute header was ruled out following a long VAR check. 

Video assistant referee Tim Robinson spotted substitute Tawanda Chirewa in an offside position in front of Fabianski as the corner was taken and after being sent to the pitchside monitor, referee Tony Harrington decided the 20-year-old was in the West Ham keeper's line of vision.

O’Neil, whose side have been involved in their fair-share of harsh VAR calls was incredulous at the call and made his feelings known in his post-match press conference. He said at the time: “It is possibly the worst decision I have ever seen.

"If your knowledge and understanding of the game is really poor, you could reach the conclusion that is offside. If you are a Premier League official working at the highest level, I would be really disappointed if you thought that was offside. The only way that can be offside is if he stops Fabianski's ability to move or impedes his vision. Only the referee and VAR think that could possibly be offside."

O'Neil said both Fabianski and West Ham manager David Moyes had told him they felt the goal should have stood. Moyes did not say that to the media afterwards but did admit he "felt for Gary".

"After some of the decisions we have had this season, I have felt like sitting in a dark room for a week," added the Scot.

However, Gallagher claimed the officials made the right call during his most recent appearance on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. The Irishman, who refereed in the Premier League for 15 years between 1992 and 2007 explained: “If you look at the forward (Chirewa) he’s in contact with the goalkeeper. He’s directly in line with him. He’s got to impact him, he’s in an offside position.

“You could go, ‘well would the goalkeeper have stopped the ball?’ But I don’t think the goalkeeper has any chance to stop the ball because he can’t move. He can’t move out of the way, so I think offside.”

The Wolves boss could face an FA charge for his comments, while a number of his backroom staff could be punished. Wolves’ protests during the incident led to a flurry of yellow cards, and the manager said he walked towards the tunnel because he is aware that he is just one yellow card away from a touchline ban.