West Ham will contact the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) after VAR ruled out Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time equaliser in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
The Hammers thought Wilson had rescued a point at the London Stadium. VAR official Darren England reviewed the goal and spotted a foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Referee Chris Kavanagh then disallowed the goal.
West Ham now plan to seek further clarification from PGMO. BBC Sport understands the club will also request access to the audio exchange between Kavanagh and England during the review process.
The defeat left Graham Potter’s side in 18th place. Arsenal moved five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney backed the decision and argued that VAR handled the incident correctly.
“It’s a clear foul,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I think you can clearly see the arm crosses his face and it impacts him getting to the ball. So I think it’s the right decision.”
Rooney also criticised the level of protection goalkeepers receive inside the penalty area.
“You go anywhere near the goalkeeper and you give a foul,” he said. “I think it is consistent with goalkeepers that if you go near them, they normally get a free-kick.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also supported the VAR intervention.
“He stepped up to the plate, he made the right decision and it’s the biggest VAR call in Premier League history,” Cann said on Match of the Day.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given questioned the consistency of similar decisions across the season.
“We have seen on numerous occasions with Arsenal this season, goalkeepers and defenders getting blocked off and the goal stands,” Given said. “Everyone is frustrated about the consistency of the refereeing decision.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy argued that Arsenal’s involvement had intensified the reaction.
“The VAR officials have got to say what they see and it’s a clear foul,” Murphy said.
Former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green agreed the contact on Raya justified the decision, but pointed to wider inconsistency in officiating this season.
