At 1-0 down to Newcastle, West Ham players and backroom staff claimed a penalty, but VAR decided that despite the ball striking Jeff Hendrick’s arm, it wasn’t a penalty.
It was also questioned whether Callum Wilson’s opening goal should have stood. The striker high with his boot as he touched in Hendrick’s header ahead of Lukas Fabianski’s dive.
TV pundit Graeme Souness said that goal should have definitely been disallowed and thought the Hammers should have been awarded a penalty in the second incident.
Former top Premier League (and lifelong Newcastle fan) Mark Clattenburg has told Graeme Souness he is wrong!
Mark Clattenburg talking to The Mail said:
“I see Graeme Souness was adamant Callum Wilson’s opening goal for Newcastle should have been disallowed for dangerous play – but he is wrong. From one angle, I understand what he is saying, Wilson’s boot is high, his studs are showing and it looks like he is head-on with West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
“But the truest angle of the incident shows you that Wilson gets there in front of the keeper. The striker is entitled to go for that and Fabianski just isn’t quick enough.
“You have to remember as well, the keeper is coming out with his fist, it is not a case of foot against head, like it would be elsewhere on the pitch.”