The latest edition of Wolves vs Bournemouth gave us the drama and intensity we’ve become accustomed to when these teams meet.
Bournemouth’s early lead left Wolves on the back foot, and when Toti Gomes saw red just after the break, it became a bridge too far for Vitor Pereira’s side.
Referee Thomas Bramhall sends off Toti Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Vitality Stadium
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
It was the third game in a row between these teams that saw someone sent off, with Matheus Cunha and Illia Zabarnyi the previous offenders.
But aside from Toti’s clear red card offence, there was another incident that should have been looked at by VAR.
Jay Bothroyd says Adam Scott’s high tackle on Wolves’ Santi Bueno should have been a red card
After Toti’s dismissal, Wolves had their hands full trying to stay in the game a man down.
But just past the hour mark, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott recklessly went into a challenge with substitute Santi Bueno, catching him high with his studs out.
Reviewing the action for Sky Sports, Jay Bothroyd thought a mistake was made, saying: “He could easily give a red card for that. Because his foot is that way as well.”
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“I think if your foot is sideways, then yeah, I can say OK, you know, he’s maybe tried to pass it or intercept or control it even, because they were so close. I think the fact his studs were raised, I think he should have got a red card for that.”
Pereira will be fuming at the call, which came early enough in the second half to have a real impact on the result.
But that’s not the only source of frustration for Wolves.
Nathan Collins was previously sent off for a similar offence while at Wolves
Back in 2022, Nathan Collins was shown red after a high tackle on Jack Grealish.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City - Premier League
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No one would argue that this wasn’t grounds for dismissal. It was a dangerous tackle with the studs pointed out, and the referee made the right decision.
The source of ire for Wolves is that Bournemouth’s Scott wasn’t held to the same standards of officiating for a very similar offence.
Whether Wolves would have been able to turn the result around is another question, but it’s just one more example of a questionable VAR decision against the Old Gold.