West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen expressed his disappointment and frustration over the video assistant referee (VAR) decision that denied his team a crucial point in their Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Hammers thought they had snatched a dramatic draw when substitute Callum Wilson scored a half-volley in stoppage time, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal following a review by referee Chris Kavanagh.
Controversial Decision
The officials deemed that West Ham's Pablo had committed a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as he attempted to claim the initial cross into the penalty area. Pablo's arm was seen across Raya's neck, and there appeared to be a pull on the goalkeeper's arm, leading to the decision to overturn the goal. The lengthy delay in reaching the verdict, with VAR Darren England taking time to recommend an on-field review, only added to the controversy.
Bowen's Reaction
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Bowen admitted that while he understood the reasoning behind the decision, he felt the extended check suggested his side may have been harshly treated. He said: "We're on the receiving end of it, so we're going to feel more hard done by. Football is a sport that brings enjoyment, brings fans together and gives big moments. We had our big moment then, we thought we'd got back into the game, but you look at something for five minutes, trying to find something."
The West Ham captain also highlighted what he perceives as a lack of consistency in VAR decisions. "Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players - there's lots of holding and grappling that goes on in the box. Are you going to look at those every time and give a penalty? Because that's the only way that is the right way to do it. I get that you can't wipe a goalkeeper out and there's arms there, but the keeper's come out to try and grab the ball, so he's got to be seen - not as an outfield player - but he's got to expect some contact. It's a corner kick, it's physical, it's the Premier League - there's going to be contact and tussles."
Consistency Concerns
Bowen referenced a previous incident where West Ham were denied a penalty at Brentford after Tomas Soucek was pulled down, arguing that similar scrutiny was not applied. "We feel more hard done by, but we had one at Brentford last week where [Tomas] Soucek got dragged down and we didn't get a penalty. I'm saying at the consistency level - VAR is here to stay we know that - but I just think the decisions... People are going to say I sound bitter, but I'm just being honest. If you look at some of the decisions for long enough, you'll find something to give, and that's what happened in the end."
Relegation Battle
The defeat leaves West Ham in the relegation zone, sitting in the bottom three with crucial matches remaining against Newcastle United and Leeds United. Their relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur are one point ahead and face Leeds on Monday night, adding further pressure on Bowen and his teammates.
