Leicester 0 – 0 Wolves

Max Munga

11/08/2019

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo said video assistant referee decisions are affecting “the spirit of the game” after his side had a goal ruled out in their scoreless draw at Leicester.

Joao Moutinho’s right-wing corner was headed goalwards by Leander Dendoncker and hit the arm of Wolves’ Willy Boly at close range before Dendoncker shot the rebound past Kasper Schmeichel from eight yards out.

But, after one minute and 38 seconds and a VAR review, the goal was disallowed by on-field official Andre Marriner, with Leicester fans cheering when no goal was announced via the stadium’s big screens.

“What I’m concerned about is, let’s not ruin the game,” said Nuno.

“It’s what fans come for, to celebrate a goal, not to celebrate a no goal – that’s not the real celebration of football.

“It’s not good for the atmosphere of football. The Leicester fans were celebrating the no goal. That’s not the mindset of the game. Six months ago it would’ve been a goal, so that is an issue for VAR.

“We have such a nice Premier League, such a product, we cannot lose that. Two minutes the game stopped. The anxiety of us celebrating, then we waited – it’s not the spirit of the game.”

These two sides have been tipped as potential challengers to the Premier League’s top six, but this game did not sparkle, with only three shots on target in total, and Leicester had to wait 83 minutes before their solitary goal-bound chance.

Foxes substitute Harvey Barnes had a curling effort well held by Rui Patricio, and Wolves’ best legal effort fell to Raul Jimenez, but he shot straight at Schmeichel.

But the main controversy came early in the second half when Dendoncker put the ball in the back of the net and Wolves were celebrating before the goal was overturned.

“I thought it was a goal, we were ready to start again and VAR [on the big screen] said it might’ve seen something and I was surprised,” said Dendoncker.

“Willy Boly was just jumping and I had no clue it was a handball. It’s a new rule so we have to adapt to it and get used to it.”

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers joked he “was a massive fan of VAR, especially today”, but also added: “I’ve said all along that it will work really well in the game and that some will go for you, like it did today, and some will go against you, like it has done for Nuno today.

“It has to always be consistent and if there’s a handball and that leads to a goal, it gets ruled out.

“The officials are trying to work it the best they can. It’s not perfect yet but as long as you get to the right decision, that’s what we want.”