West Ham United Football Club is preparing to contact the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), the referees' body, following a controversial decision that saw their late equaliser against Arsenal disallowed.
In a match that could have significantly impacted both teams' Premier League standings, West Ham's Callum Wilson appeared to have dealt a blow to Arsenal's title hopes. His stoppage-time goal on Sunday seemed set not only to dent the Gunners' aspirations but also boost West Ham's survival prospects in the league. However, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, this crucial goal was ruled out due to an alleged foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Following this contentious decision, West Ham plans to raise concerns and seek further explanation from PGMO. According to BBC Sport, they will also request access to the audio exchange between referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England during this critical moment of the game.
The outcome of this match has had significant implications for both teams. With their 1-0 victory over West Ham, Arsenal managed not only secure three points but also extend their lead at top of Premier League table by five points clear of Manchester City. On other hand, for West Ham who are currently sitting in 18th place - just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur before Spurs host Leeds on Monday - future looks more uncertain than ever.
Mixed reactions over VAR decision
The use of VAR technology in football has often been met with mixed reactions from players and fans alike. In this case too it was no different; while some believe it was an incorrect call others think otherwise.
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is among those who support the decision made by VAR during Sunday’s game between West ham and Arsenal. He expressed his belief that VAR "did a really good job" in disallowing the goal.
Wayne Rooney, Premier League legend, said:
"It's a clear foul. You're going to obviously get a lot of people saying they think it should have stood because it's controversial and probably all the [Manchester] City players, staff, fans are going to say it should have stood. And then you're going to get all the Tottenham fans, players, staff saying it shouldn't have stood and of course the Arsenal fans and stuff.
"But it's a clear foul. I think you can clearly see the arm crosses his face and it impacts him getting to the ball. So I think it's the right decision. It's the one time I actually think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game."
As West Ham prepares to challenge this decision, it will be interesting to see how PGMO responds. This incident once again brings into focus the ongoing debate about the use of VAR technology in football and its impact on game outcomes. Regardless of where one stands on this issue, it's clear that such decisions can have far-reaching implications for teams' standings and their future prospects in the league.
