West Ham , Brighton, London Stadium
West Ham were involved in a moment of controversy against Brighton. (Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Sun 22 December 2024 11:40, UK
Mark Halsey was baffled that Match of the Day failed to acknowledge the challenge from Pervis Estupinan in West Ham and Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
The Irons were held to a 1-1 draw against Brighton on 21 December but it wasn’t the scoreline that caused the most controversy.
A reckless challenge from Estupinan on Max Kilman was deemed to be only a yellow card despite the nature of the foul with Mike Dean claiming it was a “50/50 call” although Halsey disagreed.
Reacting to the challenge on his X account, Halsey said: “Very surprised VAR didn’t recommend a review, this was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety with excessive force in my opinion.”
Match of the Day failed to address the controversy with Halsey posting a follow-up tweet saying: “Challenge not even discussed on MOTD” with a shrugging emoji showcasing his shock.
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The challenge from Estupinan certainly fits the criteria for a red card every single day of the week. It was dangerous and had excessive force and Kilman was incredibly lucky to come away from that without serious injury.
Officiating standards have been low for some time now but it is still baffling how after a VAR review a challenge like that can be deemed worthy of only a yellow card.
With the challenge happening in the 84th minute, it didn’t have awfully much of an impact in the game but a chance to play the final 10 minutes or so against ten men would have potentially provided the Irons with a platform to go on and win the game.
West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]
However, West Ham certainly had chances in the game prior to the incident and the performance was once again below par with Jack Rosser claiming the Irons should be “ashamed” for their showing at the London Stadium.
Performances simply have to improve if results are going to come and it is looking even less likely for Julen Lopetegui to be the man capable of achieving that.
In other West Ham news, one Irons star could be set to take a pay cut to stay at the London Stadium.
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