West Ham are reportedly getting ready to contact referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) over their disallowed late equaliser against Arsenal.
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Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a point in the 95th minute for 18th-placed Hammers, which would have dealt a significant blow on the Gunners’ title hopes. But a lengthy VAR check and replays West Ham striker Pablo had his arm across David Raya, leading forcing the Arsenal goalkeeper to fumble the initial delivery.
Referee Chris Kavanagh watched 17 replays in total and overall, and took four minutes and 17 seconds to make a decision. Arsenal went on to win 1-0, taking them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. West Ham’s hopes to avoid relegation remains hanging by the threads, as the Hammers are currently 18th on the table, a point below 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur who have a game to play on Monday.
According the BBC Sports, West Ham will raise concerns and request further explanation from PGMO following Sunday’s controversial decision. They will also request the audio between Kavanagh and VAR Darren England.
Mikel Arteta praises match officials for disallowing West Ham’s late equaliser
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised match officials for ruling out West Ham’s dramatic late equaliser in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at the London Stadium. Referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed Callum Wilson’s late goal after a VAR check and 17 replays showed West Ham’s Pablo’s foul against Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build up of the goal.
“When I had to be critical, I have been,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Today I have to congratulate them [VAR]. “You needed a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
“When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave. The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules and we ask for consistency.”
