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West Ham United embroiled in BBC controversy
Keith Hackett
Mon 23 December 2024 18:10, UK
Keith Hackett has questioned if the Premier League are suppressing what can be said on Match of the Day in wake of their West Ham United versus Brighton coverage.
The BBC’s flagship football show failed to address Pervis Estupinan’s shocking challenge on Max Kilman in Saturday’s (21 December) 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
Estupinan dodged a red card for his studs-high challenge, which sparked plenty of debate, although it was not mentioned by Gary Lineker and Co.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, former FIFA and PGMOL official Hackett said: “In the past I’ve seen Match of the Day interrogate these types of decisions. What are they up to?
“Are the Premier League suppressing what they can and can’t say? I’d like to ask why the BBC haven’t highlighted this?
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“Is over-protecting referees part of their new remit? Fans have a right to understand what these challenges are. This Kilman one should have been discussed.”
Pervis Estupinan fortunate to avoid red card against West Ham
Estupinan endangered the safety of Kilman and should have been shown a straight red card by the letter of the law.
The most staggering aspect of all this is that VAR also did not feel it was worthy of a second look.
Max Kilman West Ham
Max Kilman signed for West Ham from Wolves in the summer transfer window [Credit: Imago]
Whether it is slow-motion or real time, it is clear that the Brighton full-back should have been issued his marching orders.
West Ham may well have gone on to win the game from that point on, but in the end had to settle for a share of the spoils.
And as a result, the pressure is still not entirely off Julen Lopetegui heading into the Boxing Day clash down at Southampton.
In other West Ham news, a first-team player has slammed the media for what they have reported about him.
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