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Gary O'Neil said John Stones' goal was the latest in a long line of controversial VAR decisions involving Wolves.

Gary O'Neil has claimed that 'something in the subconscious' of referees and officials could benefit the Premier League's better sides and see them get more decisions in their favour.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers boss made the remarkable suggestion in the wake of Sunday's 2-1 loss to Manchester City at Molineux, where John Stones' injury-time header secured all three points.

It was a controversial moment, with the goal initially ruled out for offside against Bernardo Silva, before referee Chris Kavanagh went against his original decision following a review on the pitchside monitor. It was a decision O'Neil didn't agree with, although he did accept it was a marginal call.

But the former Bournemouth manager pointed to a disallowed goal his side suffered against West Ham United last season when Tawanda Chirewa was deemed to have been in close proximity to the goalkeeper and the goal was chalked off, unlike Bernardo Silva.

Wolves have been on the receiving end of some disappointing referee decisions in recent years and even called for VAR to be scrapped last season. Speaking after the defeat by the champions, O'Neil explained why, in his opinion, it's no coincidence that his side have suffered so often.

"I think it's hard to be involved with Wolves at the minute - whether it's as a supporter, as a player or as a head coach - and not feel hard done by by the amount that's gone against us," explained the 41-year-old.

"There's no chance that people are purposely against Wolves. If we ever get to a place there, then the whole game's in a bad place, so it's not on purpose, let's make that clear. But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making?

"Without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves? My focus and senses are heightened when we're facing Man City. Are the officials the same? When it's Man City, is there something in there that influences decision-making?

"I've spoken to them about this and they obviously guarantee it isn't. But they are human and Man City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It's a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a late goal against West Ham. So maybe, maybe, there's something subconsciously that makes you less likely to get them."

Asked to clarify his comments, O'Neil added: "I can categorically tell you that they don't mean to. They're doing the job the best they can, but I just know from a human point of view that it's tough. I feel different playing Man City than I do someone else, it's a different feeling. I'm sure they feel the same, they're human.

"I don't know, I might be miles off, but it feels there could be. If I had to upset someone in the street and there was a big guy and a little guy, I'm upsetting the little guy. There's something in there, maybe that edges it in that direction when it's that tight."

The defeat means Wolves remain bottom after eight games with just one point, while City are second, one point behind leaders Liverpool.