West Ham thought they had equalised through Callum Wilson, but Sky Sports’ Dave Jones confirmed three separate VAR checks were completed before the goal was ruled out
Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones has disclosed that VAR scrutinised three separate incidents in the build-up to West Ham’s disallowed goal against Arsenal.
Callum Wilson believed he had netted a late leveller against the Gunners, but his effort was chalked off due to a foul by Pablo on David Raya. Referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the goal decision after VAR lead Darren England suggested an on-pitch review.
It has since come to light that England also examined incidents involving Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, as unveiled by Jones.
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Arsenal’s goal-scorer was seen grappling with Pablo as he obstructed Raya, while Rice was spotted holding onto Crysencio Summerville and then Konstantinos Mavropanos as the corner was taken, making no attempt for the ball.
If that contact had been deemed strong enough to award a penalty before Raya was fouled, the goal would have been disallowed and a penalty given. However,
The Premier League Match Centre on X encapsulated the controversy, stating: “#WHUARS – 90+5′ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United,” reports the Mirror.
“Referee announcement: ‘After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick’.” Arsenal managed to hold on for the remaining minutes to edge closer to their first Premier League title in over two decades.
The season-defining incident has split opinion massively with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta commending the officials for their verdict and explaining precisely why he believes it should have been ruled out.
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 today I have to praise them, at least for giving the option to a referee to decide. Away from the lights and the chaos, to give clarity to him to make the right call. And when you look at the action in that way, I think it is an obvious error.”
Nuno Espirito Santo viewed matters differently though, with the West Ham manager criticising the inconsistency officials have displayed regarding fouls at set pieces.
He said: “Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged different. Let’s not go further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt.
“You look at every corner in the Premier League and something like this is happening, not just today, but on all the pitches.
“I am talking about the lack of consistency. The players are confused and frustrated, and they don’t understand it. It is upsetting. It is up to them to solve it, there is a referee and VAR, but the referees confuse themselves.”