West Ham take action after controversial Arsenal VAR call as referee sets record straight

West Ham United have reportedly taken action after their late equaliser was ruled out against Arsenal during Sunday’s Premier League clash at the London Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side went five points clear of Manchester City to take a step closer to a first Premier League title in 22 years, while a spirited West Ham could not leapfrog relegation rivals Spurs.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike put the Gunners ahead.

The Hammers, though, continued to attack and throw everything at the away side’s solid defence until Callum Wilson smashed home in second-half stoppage time to the delight of the home fans.

However, upon review, the strike was ruled out for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya after a VAR check, which saw referee Chris Kavanagh go to the monitor before awarding a free-kick in Arsenal’s favour.

The decision has split opinion, with some praising the referee, while others believe a number of fouls took place during the penalty-area melee.

Arteta described the decision as “brave” after the match, saying: “The referee and the VAR today had a lot of courage to stop and analyse the action and give the referee the opportunity to make the call,” Arteta said.

“I think nobody would disagree that it is a clear foul because David has the ball almost in his hands and they don’t allow him to do that and take advantage to score the goal.

“It was an obvious error, it is a free-kick and the goal has to be disallowed. Today I have realised how difficult and how big the referee’s job is.”

Nuno slams VAR decision

Meanwhile, West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo was less complimentary, with the Hammers head coach suggesting referees “don’t know what a foul is” while also claiming they “confuse themselves”.

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 take action as ref wades in

Now, according to The Times, West Ham are set to take action by lodging an official complaint with the PGMOL.

But former Premier League referee Peter Walton believes VAR reached the correct call.

He said: “In real time, all that Chris Kavanagh, the referee, can see is a mêlée of players challenging for the ball. The incident occurred in a crowded penalty area with bodies everywhere and very little time for the on-field official to process exactly what had happened.

“The foul occurs when West Ham United’s Pablo puts his left arm across Raya’s arm and shoulder area. That contact restricts Raya’s movement and hampers his ability to challenge properly for the ball, resulting in him being unable to make clean contact.

“When you look at the replay angles available to VAR, particularly the sideline angle, it becomes quite clear. Under Law 12, holding an opponent or impeding an opponent with contact is an offence. In this case, that threshold is met.

“Some may ask why similar contact between two outfield players often goes unpunished. The answer is that goalkeepers are in a unique position. They jump differently because they are attempting to catch or punch the ball, and their arms are extended in a very specific way.

“When an outfield player is wrestling for position with another outfield player, referees may allow a degree of physicality because both players are competing on relatively equal terms. With goalkeepers, that threshold is lower because once their arms are impeded, their ability to perform their role is significantly affected.

“Darren England, who was on VAR duty, deserves credit for having both the courage and the understanding to intervene. Equally, Kavanagh deserves credit for being willing to go to the monitor and overturn his original call.”

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