West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday could not have ended in more controversial circumstances.
Callum Wilson equalised in added time, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Pablo Felipe’s raised arm arguably stopped Raya from catching the cross that eventually fell to Wilson.
However, West Ham supporters have since pointed out the inconsistency in those situations throughout the season.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was obviously relieved the decision went his team’s way, but did he agree with it?
Give us your response to Callum Wilson’s VAR heartbreak? 😫
The right call? Or harsh on Pablo?
Mikel Arteta reacts to West Ham’s disallowed goal vs Arsenal
Arsenal might be the most aggressive team in attacking set pieces, obstructing the goalkeeper at every opportunity.
They have scored several goals, after which their opponents’ complaints about fouls on the goalkeeper have been ignored.
That is a key reason why West Ham supporters were so frustrated by the VAR’s decision to disallow Wilson’s goal.
It is also rather ironic that Arteta, who often criticises referees, defended VAR’s interference in his interview after the game.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “With a minute left, they scored the goal, and then the referee and VAR decided to have a look. It was a massive call, but it was clearly the right call.
“My first instinct was foul, but then the time goes by, the referee is waiting for the VAR decision…
Sum up your feelings on that result if you can… 😢
Heartbroken is an understatement! 💔
“When you look at it, [the contact] affects the way he lifts his hands, the way he catches the ball, and it is almost on his throat.
“I’ve been asking for consistency all season when I have to be critical about it.
“Day one, they said this was going to be a foul, and thank god, massive decision, especially when the two teams are fighting for such big things.”
Fans of every Premier League team have already taken to social media to prove the hypocrisy of the decision.
Unfortunately, no amount of protests will change the result or West Ham’s predicament in the relegation battle.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
