Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers could be facing an investigation by the Football Association after an incident involving an Ipswich staff member following their 2-1 defeat at Molineux. The loss was particularly painful for Gary O’Neil’s side, as a last-minute goal from Ipswich’s Jack Taylor condemned Wolves to another setback, leaving them four points from safety in the Premier League relegation zone.
As the game concluded, emotions boiled over. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri was shown a red card for a second yellow, while Cunha found himself involved in a heated exchange on the pitch. Footage shared on social media later appeared to show Cunha in an altercation with an Ipswich security staff member, with the forward seemingly snatching his glasses off his face as the match ended.
The FA is currently reviewing referee Simon Hooper’s report to determine whether further action is warranted. Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking to Sky Sports, suggested Cunha could face disciplinary consequences. “In the footage, Cunha elbows an Ipswich coach in the back of the head, then grabs his glasses and throws them on the pitch,” Dean explained. “Given the circumstances, I expect the FA to take action.”
Gary O’Neil, meanwhile, addressed the situation involving Ait-Nouri, who will now miss Wolves’ next match due to the suspension. In his post-match remarks, O’Neil highlighted the pressure his team is under but stressed the need for composure. “We’re already stretched, and now we won’t have Rayan. I’ll handle the matter internally,” he said. O’Neil also reflected on the team’s discipline, noting that lapses in concentration, such as players being out of position for a late corner, highlighted the need for better decision-making in crucial moments.
Wolves’ next challenge comes against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in their first Premier League match of the new year.
