Wolves chief handed ban and fine following incident after Newcastle United clash

Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs has been handed a one-match ban and a £4,000 fine after comments he made following the draw with Newcastle United last month. The points were shared at Molineux after a fractious afternoon that saw VAR at the centre of matters post-match.

Anthony Taylor’s decision to award the Magpies a penalty for a foul on Fabian Schar just before half-time, a decision that was ratified by VAR, was described as ‘scandalous’ by Wolves boss Gary O’Neil post-match. The decision incensed the majority of the Molineux crowd and was a big talking point following the game.

A statement released by an FA spokesperson revealed that Hobbs would be banned for one game and handed a fine for his actions in the tunnel after the full-time whistle. The statement read: ‘Wolverhampton Wanderers’ sporting director has been given a one-match ground ban and £4,000 fine for misconduct at their Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 28 October. Matt Hobbs admitted that his language towards a match official in or around the tunnel after the final whistle was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing , and its written reasons will be published in due course.’

Newcastle United were back in the middle of VAR controversy just a week later during their game with Arsenal. Although Mikel Arteta branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s eventual winner as a ‘disgrace’, an independent Premier League panel has recently supported Stuart Attwell and VAR’s decision to award the goal.