Referee explains 'real reason' for controversial VAR call in West Ham vs Arsenal and it changes everything

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has broken down the exact reason why West Ham United’s late equaliser against Arsenal was ruled out for a foul on David Raya, despite several Gunners players holding their opponents in the penalty area.

On Sunday, Arsenal took a step closer to a first Premier League title in 22 years with a 1–0 win away at West Ham, with Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike enough to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

West Ham, who remain in the relegation zone with two matches remaining, thought they had snatched a point in second-half stoppage time, only for Callum Wilson’s strike to be ruled out for a foul on Raya in the build-up — a decision which has truly divided the opinion of fans, ex-players and former referees.

In a post on X, the Premier League Match Centre explained: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United. Referee announcement: ‘After review, West Ham number 19 [Pablo] commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.’”

West Ham are set to lodge a complaint with the PGMOL.

Following the incident, many focused on the fact that Arsenal players also appeared to commit fouls during the penalty-area melee, but Gallagher has since explained why referee Kavanagh awarded the foul in favour of the Gunners.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gallagher said: “Between the officials, they came to the right decision. When you watch it, there is so much going on and so much to look at. What happens is you have to go in chronological order.

“If you look at it, Pablo puts his arm across Raya, he holds him, there is no doubt about that. Behind that, Declan Rice is engaged with Mavropanos — is that a penalty?

“Well, if you look at it in that order, definitely Pablo goes first, his arm is across Raya, and at that point, Rice is reaching, he does get hold of him, there is no doubt about that. And if there is not a foul on the goalkeeper, that is definitely a penalty as Mavropanos is running towards the ball.

“But the first foul is definitely by Pablo.”

What did the manager’s say?

As expected, Arteta was in a positive mood after the game and even praised the officials for their bravery in such pressured situations.

“When I had to be critical, I have been,” Arteta said.

“Today I have to congratulate them [VAR].

“You needed a lot of courage and bravery to step forward and give the referee the opportunity 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.”

However, West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo did not share that view, suggesting that referees “confuse themselves” when making crucial VAR calls.

The Portuguese said: “Look, there is a referee and VAR, and there are circumstances in the past that have been judged differently. Let’s not go further than that.

“Due to 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.”

West Ham return to action away at Newcastle on 17 May, before Arsenal host Burnley on 18 May.