Wolves secured a commanding 3-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday, continuing their stunning run of form and extending their winning streak to six games — the best across Europe at the moment. Goals from Matheus Cunha, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Rodrigo Gomes ensured a comfortable afternoon for Vitor Pereira’s side against the already-relegated Foxes.

However, the match wasn’t without controversy, particularly over a penalty incident involving Jamie Vardy midway through the game.

Vardy’s Contentious Penalty Incident

At 2-0 down, Leicester found a glimmer of hope when Jamie Vardy tumbled under a challenge from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa inside the box. Referee Sam Barrott quickly pointed to the spot, and after a VAR review, the penalty decision was bizarrely upheld.

Replays, however, suggested that Vardy had engineered the contact, dragging his leg to ensure a collision with Sa — a tactic often criticized but occasionally seen in modern football.

Dermot Gallagher’s Surprising Assessment

The controversial moment was dissected during Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, where former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher offered his verdict. Instead of clearly condemning Vardy’s actions, Gallagher seemed hesitant to take a firm stance.

He commented:
“The goalkeeper doesn’t get the ball, but someone said to me on Saturday night, ‘he makes sure he gets a penalty’. The keeper is always going to catch him there. That’s what my friend said — Vardy ensures the contact because he comes across.”

Gallagher’s reluctance to call out Vardy for simulation baffled many observers and has only added to the frustration among Wolves supporters.

Other Pundits More Critical of Vardy

Unlike Gallagher, pundit Sue Smith didn’t hesitate in criticizing the decision, stating:
“It’s not a penalty. I don’t think it’s a penalty at all. Vardy knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s moving at pace, the ball’s gone slightly away from him, and he initiates the contact.”

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also weighed in, describing Vardy’s antics as “clever” — a polite euphemism for gamesmanship.

Wolves Fans Fuming Over Another Poor Decision

Gallagher’s tepid response will undoubtedly infuriate Wolves fans further. From their perspective, the footage clearly shows Vardy intentionally initiating contact after losing control of the ball, having no realistic chance of scoring into an open net.

The fact that VAR didn’t direct referee Barrott to consult the pitchside monitor or reconsider the call is being labeled as laughable by supporters and analysts alike.

While Wolves’ emphatic victory ultimately rendered the incident meaningless in terms of the result, it once again highlighted perceived inconsistencies in officiating — something that continues to frustrate Wanderers faithful.