Peter Schmeichel has hit out at the VAR decision that disallowed West Ham's late equaliser against Arsenal, claiming the Gunners' own set-piece tactics are just as guilty of the foul that cost the Hammers a point.
14:45, 11 May 2026Updated 14:47, 11 May 2026
Peter Schmeichel
View 2 Images
Peter Schmeichel does not believe West Ham's goal should have been ruled out(Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Peter Schmeichel has savaged the decision to disallow a late goal in Arsenal's victory over West Ham for a foul on David Raya, highlighting that the Gunners have employed identical set-piece routines throughout the campaign.
Leandro Trossard had broken the deadlock in the 83rd minute, handing Arsenal a crucial advantage in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Dramatic scenes followed, however, when Callum Wilson appeared to snatch a 95th-minute equaliser for the Hammers, who are desperately battling to avoid the drop.
West Ham's celebrations were swiftly curtailed as VAR scrutinised replays of the incident before recommending an on-field review. Pablo was spotted gripping Raya's arm as he leapt for the ball and referee Chris Kavanagh subsequently ruled the goal out.
*FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page*
Schmeichel, the iconic former Manchester United goalkeeper, was quick to note that Arsenal would be nowhere near the summit if such actions are adjudged a foul.
"That decision today, it's just so wrong on so many levels," the Dane told Viaplay. "What really makes me angry is that Arsenal would never be top of the league if that's a free kick.
"That's how they've scored so many goals by blocking people, holding people, doing all kind of things, and then we get to this point... it takes VAR five minutes.
Referee Chris Kavanagh reviews VAR before disallowing a late goal from Callum Wilson of West Ham United
View 2 Images
Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Callum Wilson's goal(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
"Darren England the VAR official, (it takes him) five minutes. He starts the replay over and over again. That in itself puts so much doubt into that decision. It cannot be a free kick, it cannot."
Schmeichel continued: "I think it's so wrong, I just don't understand why all of a sudden that's a free kick, because it's not been for any teams all the way throughout the season.
"All of this, it's just crazy, and that decision today is just so wrong on so many levels."
Find the best flight and Budapest hotel deals with Booking.com
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
Booking.com
Book here
Arsenal have booked their place in the Champions League final and fans can support the team in Budapest with a flight and hotel deal from Booking.com.
Article continues below
Schmeichel wasn't the only one challenging VAR's involvement, with West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen expressing similar sentiments in his post-match comments.
Mikel Arteta, conversely, commended the match officials for their courage in reaching such a significant verdict. He said: "A call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they've been talking about all season.
"So when I have to be critical, I have been. And it is a free kick and the goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances."