Ex-Premier League Ref Demands Rule Change After Arsenal VAR Incident
Ex-Premier League Ref Demands Rule Change After Arsenal VAR Incident

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has called for a rule change to prevent attacking players from entering the goal area before corners are taken. His proposal follows a controversial VAR decision in Arsenal's 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.

In stoppage time, West Ham thought they had equalised through Callum Wilson, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been fouled by West Ham's Pablo. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Cann suggested that barring attackers from the goal area before corners would reduce grappling and avoid such incidents.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials for their decision, calling it 'very brave' and consistent with their approach this season. He acknowledged the difficulty of the call, given the stakes for both clubs: Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, while West Ham are battling relegation.

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The Gunners now need just two more wins to secure the title, while West Ham's survival hopes took a blow as Tottenham can move four points clear of them with a win on Monday.

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