Reason why West Ham had been awarded a controversial late penalty towards Man Utd

The Premier League has given their two cents on the debatable penalty that handed West Ham a 2-1 win over Manchester United.

The Red Devils seemed set for a draw at London Stadium after Casemiro’s answer to Summerville’s opener, but drama hit during added time when West Ham got a stoppage-time pen. Matthijs de Ligt’s tangle with Danny Ings initially got no notice from the ref until VAR intervened.

After a recommended review, the on-field call got flipped and West Ham were gifted a spot-kick. Clarifying the contentious decision, the Premier League stated: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings.

“The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” Punters blasted the verdict on social media.

One fumed: “Is it just me or is that one of the worst penalty decisions you’re likely to see? Not all contact is a penalty! Football in the PL has become a none contact sport.”

Another vented: “Honestly that was an awful call from VAR and Michael Oliver. @FA_PGMOL Disgraceful decision,” reports the Mirror. This defeat – marking United’s fourth league loss this season – puts gaffer Erik ten Hag in a tight spot. United are now 14th in the table with a measly 11 points from nine fixtures.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be pushed into a hasty decision on Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United following the team’s lacklustre performance against West Ham.

The Red Devils have little time to lick their wounds as they gear up for a Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford in midweek.

Following that, another big test looms at the weekend with a Premier League battle against Chelsea, who themselves were in the midst of last-minute drama on Sunday. Enzo Maresca’s lads managed to snatch a win over Newcastle with strikes from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.