Former Peter Schmeichel goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has become the latest high-profile figure to question the controversial VAR decision which denied West Ham a dramatic equaliser against Arsenal at the London Stadium.
The Danish treble winner was working pitchside as a pundit for the fixture and made it abundantly clear after the match that he believed Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time goal should have stood.
West Ham thought they had rescued what could prove to be a priceless point in their battle for Premier League survival when Wilson found the net in the 95th minute. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out after deciding Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the corner.
The decision left Hammers fans furious, particularly because replays appeared to show multiple players blocking and wrestling each other in the same incident. There was also a strong argument that Leandro Trossard actually forced Pablo into Raya’s path rather than the West Ham striker deliberately impeding the goalkeeper.
Schmeichel highlights Arsenal set-piece tactic
Schmeichel’s frustration centred less on the specific contact itself and more on what he clearly views as a huge inconsistency in officiating.
“Arsenal have been blocking the opponent’s goalkeeper all season long, they would NEVER be on top of the league if we disallow these goals!”
It is difficult to ignore the wider point being made. Arsenal have regularly used aggressive blocking tactics from corners and set pieces throughout the season without punishment, yet West Ham found themselves on the wrong end of an intervention which could now have enormous consequences at both ends of the table.
Decision could define West Ham’s season
The bitter reality for West Ham is that none of the outrage changes the result. The goal will not be reinstated and the Hammers remain staring at relegation following a defeat which we didn’t deserve.
However, because the match carried significance both in the title race and the relegation battle, the decision has drawn huge scrutiny from pundits and supporters alike across the football world.
As I said last night, it’s the double standards which feel hardest to swallow. Arsenal appear to benefit from physical “rugby-style” blocks on a weekly basis, yet West Ham may end up relegated because of one marginal interpretation which suddenly crossed the line.
Exactly Gonzo, and will the ref or var officials be fined, banned or sacked. NO. So huge consequences for all except for those who got it wrong. All including Man. City
Referee looking for a reason not to give the goal. He knows he has to protect the Premier League philosophy that the top four should always be given the benefit of the doubt to safeguard their brand. The Arsenal tactics at corners this season have got them a number of goals which on the basis of the decision on Sunday should have seen their goal disallowed.
Referees should be going into dressing rooms before the match and tell the teams that no matter who started the wrestling, shoving, strangling etc., he will give a foul or penalty on the first thing he sees. After three or four penalties in one match it will do the trick. Meanwhile, if VAR has to intervene everytime a goal is scored why not do away with the referees and have a big hooter at the stadiums that can be blown everytime the numpty there thinks there was an infringment. Just think – no automatic appeal from teams like Arsenal everytime a goal is conceded.
Whilst I personally struggle to understand how it could possibly be categorised as a “clear and obvious error” or how all the other grappling can be ignored, I’m not sure I see it as a season defining moment for us.
What is more important is Spurs not winning tonight. If we can stay within touching distance and pull off a win at Newcastle (where we have a decent record) and then Spurs lose at Chelsea, we can use this injustice to go into the final weekend with the advantage.
Fingers crossed for an away win or at worst case, a draw tonight. ⚒️