The Old Gold have been left fuming after a controversial set-piece decision during their 4-2 defeat to West Ham — with manager César Peixoto claiming a little-known EFL rule was ignored and cost his side a goal.
The Controversy That Has Wolves Fans Furious
West Ham’s 4-2 victory over Wolves at the London Stadium on Tuesday night was full of drama . But amid the goals, one incident has sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits — and it all comes down to a little-known EFL rule.
Wolves boss César Peixoto claimed West Ham’s fourth goal, scored by Konstantinos Mavropanos in the 64th minute, should have been disallowed because of a rule regarding blocking the goalkeeper at corners .
“We had a meeting with the referees before the start of the season here in London and they told us that blocking the goalkeeper at corners would be a foul this season,” Peixoto said after the match . “Tonight, I felt their player blocked our goalkeeper for the fourth goal and stopped him from getting to the ball, but the referee didn’t give the foul.”
He added: “Sa didn’t go at the right time because of the block.”
The EFL Rule Explained
The EFL has strict regulations regarding conduct during set-pieces. Under the rules, blocking the goalkeeper’s movement in the penalty area can be considered a foul .
Referees are expected to enforce blocking fouls, particularly when they prevent the goalkeeper from playing the ball. Peixoto felt the referee should have penalised West Ham for the block on Wolves goalkeeper José Sá.
The EFL also has strict rules on goalkeepers holding onto the ball. Goalkeepers are now permitted to hold onto the ball for a total of eight seconds instead of six — if they fail to release it, the referee will award a corner against their team . The previous law was rarely enforced, making the new rule a significant change in the Championship.
The Game That Made It Worse
For Wolves, the defeat was their first under new head coach César Peixoto, who had started his reign with a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions .
The visitors had started the brighter at London Stadium, with Raul Jimenez and Mateus Mane both hitting the woodwork . They had more possession (56.8%), more shots (17), and more touches inside the opposition box (31) . But West Ham were ultimately more ruthless with their chances.
The game turned in the 33rd minute when Divine Mukasa scored a stunning opener from 25 yards that went in off the underside of the crossbar . Wolves then conceded a penalty just before half-time when André fouled Joel Piroe, with Jarrod Bowen stepping up to coolly dispatch the spot-kick .
Marshall Munetsi pulled one back for Wolves on the cusp of half-time, but Mukasa restored West Ham’s two-goal cushion eight minutes after the restart . Mavropanos added a fourth in the 64th minute, before putting through his own net five minutes later to make the final score 4-2 .
Wolves boss Peixoto was left to rue the missed chances: “I think it’s an unfair result because we created a lot of chances, but West Ham were more clinical when they got into our box.”
Wolves Fans’ Reaction
Wolves supporters were left frustrated by the result and the controversial decisions.
The travelling fans had seen their side dominate early possession and hit the woodwork twice — only to concede moments later. The frustration was palpable in the away end.
One Wolves fan wrote: “One of those nights. Miss two great chances and they score with their first attack of the half. Bleugh.”
Another added: “We’ve got none of the luck and they have all of it. Jammy bastards.”
What Made the Decision So Controversial
Peixoto’s frustration is understandable. Wolves had dominated the opening exchanges, hitting the woodwork twice before West Ham scored against the run of play .
The controversy surrounding West Ham’s fourth goal has left a bitter taste. Mavropanos scored after a corner, with Wolves players feeling a West Ham player had blocked goalkeeper José Sá .
Peixoto felt the referee had ignored clear instructions given to managers before the season: “For the fourth goal, we had a meeting at the beginning of the season with the referees and they said that this year if they block the goalkeeper then it’s a foul.”
“But today, all of the free-kicks and corner kicks have seen my goalkeeper get blocked and they did not give a foul.”
While the referee did not agree, Wolves fans have been quick to point out the inconsistency in officiating.
What This Means for Wolves
The defeat leaves Wolves with a reality check after a promising start under Peixoto . While they dominated possession and created chances, they were ultimately undone by individual errors and controversial decisions.
Peixoto called the result “unfair” after the match, adding: “Two goals difference is unfair.”
The defeat leaves Wolves in 3rd place , still well-positioned for a promotion push. But the controversial decisions will be a talking point for fans and pundits alike.
The Verdict
Wolves have been left frustrated by a little-known EFL rule after their 4-2 defeat to West Ham.
Manager César Peixoto claimed West Ham’s fourth goal should have been disallowed for blocking the goalkeeper — a rule that was discussed with referees before the season began.
The defeat leaves Wolves with questions to answer. But one thing is certain: the little-known rules of the EFL are here to stay.