Mario Lemina denies causing shocking brawl with Jarrod Bowen & claims he DID shake West Ham captain's hand after Wolves' defeat at London Stadium

Drama unfolded immediately after the final whistle following West Ham's 2-1 win over Wolves, with Bowen, who scored the decisive goal for the Hammers, attempting to greet his opposite number. Lemina, however, appeared to ignore Bowen’s outstretched hand, walking past him. What followed was a physical altercation between the two captains, with both ending up wrestling on the ground.

In the ensuing chaos, Lemina reportedly pushed teammates Nelson Semedo and Toti, who had tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation. He later squared up with Wolves’ first-team coach Shaun Derry, further fuelling tensions.

Taking to Instagram to clarify his position, Lemina issued an apology to fans and the football community while denying he was responsible for the altercation.

“This morning. I write this message with great hindsight. And I really want to apologise to all the people who love this club and who love football," he wrote.

“I never wanted this to happen on the ground. I have always been a fair player, even in defeat. If something is said, make sure the truth comes out. I shook this player’s hand, like I always do. and I was grabbed by the shirt and thrown to the ground. I just reacted to a situation that I didn’t cause at all. I love my team, the staff and all the people who make up this club. We all gonna fight harder to overcome this situation. Shaun you already know. We’re gonna fight again and again.”

The defeat against West Ham has left Wolves languishing in 19th place in the Premier League table, four points adrift of safety. The team’s poor form has intensified speculation about potential changes in leadership, with head coach Gary O’Neil under mounting pressure to turn things around.

Meanwhile, the victory over Wolves handed Julen Lopetegui a shot in the arm as the Hammers find themselves nine points above the relegation zone. They will be in action against Bournemouth on December 16 in their next Premier League fixture. Whereas, Wolves will host Ipswich Town on Saturday.