Dubbed the "biggest moment in VAR history" what happened in the Arsenal v West Ham game and how the controversial decision could change the Premier League.
Video refereeing in the Premier League continues to be controversial - with a decision on Sunday that could have major consequences at the top and bottom of the league called the "biggest moment in VAR history".
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said a dramatic late intervention in Arsenal’s win over West Ham was a huge moment - and could see Arsenal top the table, and the Hammer drop into the Championship.
It came as the relegation-threatened East London side looked to have snatched a 1-1 draw against the title-chasing Gunners when Callum Wilson struck in stoppage time at the London Stadium.
However, in heart-straining moments for fans at the London Stadium, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by Pablo. But it was contentious, as a number of players were involved in the incident, with arms flailing - and the decision could have gone a number of ways, including a penalty for West Ham, or a free kick for Arsenal.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (centre left) is fouled by West Ham United's Pablo Felipe in the build up to Callum Wilson disallowed goal during the Premier League match at London Stadium, Londonplaceholder image
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (centre left) is fouled by West Ham United's Pablo Felipe in the build up to Callum Wilson disallowed goal during the Premier League match at London Stadium, London | John Walton/PA Wire
Former Manchester United and England defender Neville, who was working as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, felt it was a big moment and the correct decision was eventually made. Neville said: “This is an earthquake, a tremor of a moment. I have to say the big striker has got his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him.
“VAR, what are they going to do? It is probably the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League. This is massive. I think it’s a foul. His arm is held on Raya. It’s on him all the time. He’s holding across his neck and chest. I think it’s a foul. But have VAR got the nerve, the guts, the courage to make the decision? This is massive for refereeing in this country. This is too big to get wrong.”
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On advice from VAR Darren England, match referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed footage on the pitchside monitor, and after a process that took more than four minutes, disallowed the goal. Neville’s fellow pundit Roy Keane had little sympathy for Pablo.
He said: “Do not put your hands on the goalkeeper, and certainly don’t leave it on for three or four seconds. Obviously there’s madness there, and there’s loads of other fouls, all sorts going on – but because the goalkeeper’s such a big part to play, I think it is a foul. He must know they’re going to check VAR.”
Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Ian Wright said it was “without doubt” the correct decision. “I think David Raya catches that simply if he’s not impeded,” Wright said. “You can see it there, pulling him there, and then the arm comes across.”
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