prolonged VAR review led to West Ham’s crucial winning goal against Aston Villa being disallowed due to a handball.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, West Ham managed to push the ball over the line, sparking celebrations at the London Stadium.
However, the joy quickly turned to disappointment when the goal was scrutinized for a potential handball on the goal-line.
The officials at Stockley Park appeared to deliberate extensively on the matter, causing frustration among both players and fans alike.
Referee Jarred Gillett was eventually directed to review the incident on the screen, ultimately leading to the disallowance of the goal.
The entire inspection process lasted approximately six minutes, leaving West Ham’s manager, David Moyes, visibly frustrated.
TalkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams labeled the review as “ludicrous,” while Andy Townsend humorously questioned whether the official was searching for handball or fingerprints.
Post-match discussions on talkSPORT centered on the length of time taken for VAR checks, with Moyes suggesting the implementation of time limits, emphasizing the need for clarity and efficiency in decision-making.
Reflecting on the recent string of handball decisions going against his team, Moyes expressed his frustration but acknowledged Villa’s improved performance in the second half.
Amidst the controversy, former player Rio Ferdinand voiced concerns about the potential consequences for Moyes if results continue to elude West Ham.
The disappointment was compounded by an earlier disallowed goal from Michail Antonio, adding to West Ham’s woes.
The dissatisfaction among West Ham supporters was palpable, as boos echoed around the stadium following the final whistle.
The result meant West Ham had suffered consecutive home defeats, following a 2-2 draw with Burnley in their previous Premier League outing.
For Aston Villa, the point gained could prove crucial in their quest for Champions League qualification, highlighting the significance of every result in the tightly contested race for European spots.
Overall, the match was marred by controversy and disappointment for West Ham, emphasizing the need for improvements in officiating and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and transparency in football matches.
