Shropshire Star

Wolves sporting director swore at officials following controversial VAR decision

Wolves' sporting director swore at match officials following a controversial VAR call against Man City - according to a new report.

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Hobbs was charged with misconduct by the FA for an incident that occurred after Wolves conceded a late goal against Man City at Molineux. Originally John Stones' headed goal was ruled out for offside, before being overturned after VAR told referee Chris Kavanagh to check the pitchside monitor.

An independent regulatory commission has now heard Hobbs' case, and heard how the sporting director said to the referee, "you f******g' couldn't wait to give that."

The report has stated that Hobbs was stood at the entrance to the tunnel as players left the field.

The report reads: "Those entering the tunnel are able to pass either side of him, although his presence slows the free flow of those entering the tunnel.

“As the three match officials are escorted from the field of play with stewards they had to pass MH (Hobbs).

“It is the evidence of Mr Kavanagh that ‘…our path was blocked by Mr Matt Hobbs from Wolves who confronted me in an aggressive manner and shouted, ‘you f***ing couldn’t wait to give that’. ‘As he moved towards me, he had to be restrained by a steward’.”

Hobbs admitted using the words, while the report found that Hobbs did not deliberately position himself at the end of the tunnel to abuse the officials.

He was fined £7,000 and handed a two game stadium ban, which has already been served.

The report also went on to say: "In our judgment, the fact that MH chose to behave in an abusive way, yet again, towards a match official in the tunnel area is a serious matter. Such behaviour from a director is entirely unacceptable and a period of suspension from a stadium is inevitable.

“The fact that he holds a director position within the club makes it all the more serious. Likewise, his previous misconduct aggravates his position.”

It was Hobbs' second final and suspension of the season, after he was handed a one game ban and fined £4,000 after swearing at referee Anthony Taylor in Wolves' 2-2 draw against Newcastle last year.