Howard Webb, the referees' chief, has firmly defended the decision to disallow West Ham's stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, calling it "categorically" the correct call. The incident sparked widespread debate after referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Callum Wilson's 95th-minute goal following a lengthy VAR review.
Controversy over disallowed goal
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described the decision as the "biggest VAR decision in Premier League history," noting it could help Arsenal secure the title while contributing to West Ham's relegation battle. The review took four minutes and 17 seconds, with Kavanagh checking 17 replays before eventually disallowing the goal for a foul by West Ham substitute Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Speaking on the programme Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb explained: "Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically, yes. We've said all season, including in pre-season briefings, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms, preventing them from doing their job, they will be penalised."
VAR process and additional fouls considered
Webb added that while the foul was not clear to the referee on the pitch due to the crowded penalty area, the VAR correctly intervened. The audio transcript revealed that officials also examined potential fouls by Arsenal's Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard in the build-up, but concluded that the foul on Raya occurred first.
The transcript shows VAR Darren England and assistant Akil Howson reviewing Trossard's challenge on Pablo, with Kavanagh initially deeming it minimal. They then considered Rice's actions on Mavropanos, but ultimately focused on the goalkeeper interference.
Other incidents reviewed
The programme also assessed three other contentious moments. Webb supported the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a challenge on Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, and confirmed Benjamin Sesko's goal against Liverpool was correctly allowed. However, he admitted that a handball by West Ham's Mateus Fernandes against Everton should have resulted in a penalty, stating: "The game expects a penalty in that situation."
Webb emphasised that officials are diligent in high-stakes scenarios: "They really respect the game and are aware of the importance of this situation."
