Even Hammers villain Keith Hackett says West Ham were robbed in the controversial 2-2 draw at Sheffield United.
Yes West Ham fans you did just read that correctly.
One referee whose name will always have a place in the black book of many Hammers supporters is Keith Hackett.
Ex-FIFA and Premier League referee Hackett infamously sent off Tony Gale in West Ham’s 1991 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Hackett’s dismissal of Gale was the first red card handed out for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, and one that no one expected, even the Forest squad.
Even Hackett says West Ham were robbed
The former PGMOL boss has never been forgiven by many West Ham fans.
But even Hammers villain Hackett says West Ham were robbed in draw at Sheffield United.
The standard of Premier League officiating and the use of VAR in the so-called best league in the world took centre stage for all the wrong reasons again as West Ham drew 2-2 with the Blades at Bramall Lane.
Fans and pundits have been left utterly bemused by the award of a last gasp penalty to Sheffield United following a phantom foul on striker Ollie McBurnie which left Alphonse Areola with a blood nose and lip.
To make matters worse, West Ham were then denied a stonewall penalty on Jarrod Bowen from the resulting kick-off after he was wrestled to the ground by Anel Ahmedhodzic, denying him a clear chance at goal.
‘I am trying to understand’
Now Hackett has added his voice to the growing list condemning the inadequate performance of the officials.
He says the Blades should not have been awarded a penalty and insists West Ham were denied a clear last minute spot kick.
Hackett also does not understand why VAR was even needed for Rhian Brewster’s red card after his two-footed lunge on Emerson.
“I am trying to understand why West Ham United were not awarded a penalty kick when Bowen was wrestled to the ground by his opponent,” Hackett said.
‘Nailed on’
“The referee should have seen the offence.
“VAR should have intervened it was a clear penalty kick.
“It (Brewster challenge) was a clear red and I agree it should not have had to go to VAR.
“Thought (the) Sheff United decision (was) wrong West Ham United should have had a penalty kick. It was nailed on.”
West Ham’s manager David Moyes, who usually refrains from publicly criticising referees, savaged the performance of the officials after the game.
Sheffield United’s skipper Anel Ahmedhodzic poured salt in the wound by openly mocking West Ham and the officials over the decision on social media last night.
READ ALSO
Stats a disgrace as £24m man puts in his worst West Ham stroll yet in Blades draw.
West Ham have called Prem rivals about signing bit-part star and he ‘may fancy move’.
Moyes confidant: West Ham back Tim Steidten with record transfer.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
