West Ham United have formally contacted the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to express significant concerns over the controversial disallowed goal during Sunday's Premier League match against Arsenal. The decision, which saw a potential equaliser ruled out after a VAR review, could prove critical for the Hammers in their fight for top-flight survival.
The incident occurred when officials determined that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been fouled by West Ham's Pablo Felipe at a corner, moments before Callum Wilson scored. Referee Chris Kavanagh overturned his initial decision to award the goal following a VAR review. West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and forward Jarrod Bowen have both publicly questioned the consistency of officiating around challenges at corners this season.
PGMO's chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, is expected to address the incident during Tuesday's edition of 'Match Officials Mic'd Up', broadcast on Sky Sports and TNT Sports at 7pm. Beyond the immediate fallout, football's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), are set to examine how best to manage grappling within the penalty area during set-pieces, with discussions likely to begin in the autumn.
In contrast to West Ham's frustration, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta praised officials Kavanagh and VAR Darren England for their handling of the situation. 'It was a call from the ref that is very brave, but very consistent with what they've been talking about all season,' Arteta said. However, Nuno and Bowen strongly disagreed, with Nuno stating: 'You look at every corner in the Premier League and something like this is happening... The players are confused and frustrated.'
