The Sky Sports pundits reckoned Wanderers had “a case” for a penalty during their goalless draw against Wrexham. There were a few appeals when Eoghan O’Connell appeared to pull Ricardo Santos’ shirt as the Bolton skipper jumped for a header. Ian Evatt said after the final whistle it was “stonewall penalty” and argued it would have been given as a foul anywhere else on the pitch.
Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, guidelines from the PGMOL stated there would be an emphasis on holding and situations would be penalised if there was “sustained” contact. Ex-Hull and Derby defender Curtis Davies was in the studio for the fixture and felt the new guidelines were not followed in this instance. However, he had sympathy for referee Benjamin Speedie due to the absence of VAR in League One matches.
“They do have a case,” said Davies. “The PGMOL come in here to talk to us at Sky, they also go into the football clubs and explain the new rules and sanctions for the season. “I understand there is no VAR so there is not the opportunity or luxury of looking back at it.
But what we were told is obvious shirt pulling and sustained contact. “He has his shirt from the beginning of the action all the way until the end. I understand Santos heads it but if he is not heading his shirt, he might be able to head it higher by jumping in the first action.
“I don’t believe the referee is in the right place to make the decision so we don’t want them guessing. “But there is goin.