WEST HAM should have been given a penalty instead of having a dramatic goal disallowed against Arsenal, claim furious fans.
The Hammers were beaten 1-0 by the Gunners on Jattvibeday but the game was overshadowed by one of the most controversial VAR calls in recent memory.
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West Ham’s late strike against Arsenal was disallowed due to a foul against David Raya Credit: Getty
West Ham fans feel they should have had a penalty over three incidents in the build-up Credit: Sky Sports
Callum Wilson‘s 95th minute equaliser crossed the line but was ruled out after a lengthy check for a foul by Pablo on David Raya at a last-gasp corner.
Referee Chris Kavanagh decided that Pablo’s arm across the throat of Raya was enough to disallow the goal, which many felt was soft.
But some West Ham supporters have pointed out that they should have been given a spot kick over THREE possible incidents during the same phase of play.
In a video shared by fans on X, they claim Pablo was in fact pulled back by match-winner Leandro Trossard in the build up to his clash with Raya.
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Premier League issue explanation on disallowing of West Ham goal vs Arsenal
Another sees Kai Havertz grappling with West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek, who appears to be dragged to the ground.
And the third claim is one on Raya himself after some fans claimed he held onto Jean-Clair Todibo moments before the alleged foul.
One fan wrote on X: “If that was the other way round, I don’t think they’d even look at it but if they did, Arteta and their players would surround the ref and the goal would stand.”
Another added: “I counted three penalties.”
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West Ham were fuming with the decision as they battle against relegation Credit: Alamy
A third said: “Just ridiculous decision. If it wasn’t a goal West Ham should have had a penalty. The game is becoming a joke.”
A fourth commented: “Thought it was foul on Raya, but but seen this video and that’s a pen first against Trossard!
Another added: “I see at least 3 penalties there. Trossard not even looking at the ball.”
Others even claimed that Declan Rice could have been penalised for putting his arms around ex-Gunner Konstantinos Mavropanos.
One said: “There’s like eight different fouls… am I watching rugby?”
Chris Kavanagh chalked Callum Wilson’s strike off after a lengthy VAR review Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The decision was pivotal at both ends of the Premier League table as Arsenal went five points clear of Man City at the top.
Meanwhile, West Ham remain one point behind rivals Tottenham having played a game more.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo was seething after the game as he claimed officials didn’t know what a foul was.
He said: “The way the game finished – we’re all upset of course.
“I didn’t pay attention to the replay just to not get more upset but there’s a referee, there’s VAR, there’s circumstances in the past that would be judged different. Let’s not say much further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons it’s been happening and even the referees don’t know what is a foul, what isn’t a foul. It creates a lot of doubt and speculation around it.”
