West Ham to file official criticism to PGMOL after VAR controversy vs Arsenal
West Ham are set to lodge an official complaint with PGMOL after a late Callum Wilson goal was controversially disallowed by VAR in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal
West Ham are considering launching a complaint to the PGMOL(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
West Ham are understood to be preparing a formal complaint to the PGMOL after they were refused a crucial late equaliser in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal following VAR’s involvement.
The Hammers began the match in the relegation zone and believed Callum Wilson had secured a vital point in their survival fight when he netted in the 95th minute from a corner. But the jubilation was brief as VAR examined the goal and suggested an on-field review after spotting a foul on David Raya.
Wilson’s effort was then ruled out by referee Chris Kavanagh, leaving West Ham empty-handed and Arsenal within touching distance of a first Premier League crown in 22 years.
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Discussion surrounding the verdict has been intense given the significance of the fixture, with West Ham now ready to file an official grievance over the ruling which has pushed them nearer to the drop, according to The Times.
The report reveals that it required more than four minutes for the match officials to conclude that Wilson’s goal should be struck off. It’s also stated that Kavanagh examined the incident 17 times on the pitchside monitor after being urged to review the goal.
West Ham believe that any incident requiring such an extended period to reach a verdict does not meet the standard of a clear-and-obvious error for VAR to step in. The east London club, who sit a point adrift of Tottenham in the Premier League standings having now contested an additional fixture, could also demand to listen to the exchanges between Kavanagh and Darren England, the appointed VAR official for the encounter.
While Mikel Arteta praised the officials for their courage in chalking off the goal, Nuno Espirito Santo held a contrasting opinion after the final whistle. “They have to solve it; they have to come to the clubs and explain the reasons behind different decisions,” he said.
“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.”
Jarrod Bowen also challenged the verdict, stating: “If you look at some of the decisions for long enough you’ll find something to give and that’s what happened in the end. It’s a corner kick, it’s physical, it’s the Premier League – there’s going to be contact and tussles. There’s lots of holding and grappling that goes on in the box. Are you going to look at those every time and give a penalty?”
