In what might go down as the biggest VAR call in Premier League history, Arsenal were given a late reprieve against West Ham United on Sunday evening. The Hammers had a late goal ruled out as they lost 1-0, which edges them closer to relegation and their opponents closer to the title.
Mikel Arteta must have feared dropping valuable points as the game entered the latter stages, but Leandro Trossard found the back of the net in the 83rd minute to break the deadlock. Deep into injury time, it looked as though the win had slipped away, as Callum Wilson turned the ball home to make it 1-1.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh was alerted to an incident, and after a lengthy VAR review, he decided to blow for a foul, with Hammers striker Pablo impeding David Raya. The ref explained: “After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick.”
With so much on the line, the officiating has sparked a huge response, with numerous pundits weighing in on the matter.
Mark Clattenburg Casts Strong Verdict on Decision to Disallow West Ham Goal vs Arsenal Related
Mark Clattenburg Casts Strong Verdict on Decision to Disallow West Ham Goal vs Arsenal
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg drops his verdict on this season's most controversial VAR call
West Ham To Lodge Complaint Amid Nuno Outcry
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito SantoREUTERS/Dylan Martinez
It ultimately took four minutes and 17 seconds to decide that Raya was fouled before Wilson scored. Speaking after the game, club captain Jarrod Bowen accepted the call but questioned the inconsistency of referees when it comes to corners. He noted: "Football is a physical game. If you're going to give it, give it week-in, week-out."
As per the Telegraph, West Ham will now lodge a formal complaint with the PGMOL over the disallowed goal. This is perhaps surprising with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo immediately asking for change after the game, stating:
“They have to solve it; they have to come to the clubs and explain the reasons behind different decisions. We’re upset and sad; this can’t be happening.
"Everybody’s confused. The players can’t understand it. Due to the recent seasons it’s been happening and even the referees don’t know what is a foul, what isn’t a foul. It creates a lot of doubt and speculation around it.”
VAR was Right But Ex-Refs Want Corner Rule Change
Jarrod Bowen
Despite the controversial nature of the call, for the most part, the experts seem to largely agree that there was a foul on Raya. Mark Halsey, who spent 12 years refereeing in the Premier League, noted: "You can clearly see that Pablo has impeded David Raya. You can clearly see that. Not only that, you can see that Jean-Clair Todibo has got hold of Raya's shirt so he's pulling it down.”
However, he did note: "We’ve had a massive problem this season – and inconsistencies – from the officials when we’re seeing holding and grappling offences in the penalty area.”
Another former top-flight official, Darren Cann, also agreed with the referee but called for a change with a radical new rule, saying: “I feel that the time has come now for a law change whereby no attackers are allowed in the six-yard box before a corner is taken.”