West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that the club have officially launched a complaint with the Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) following their defeat to Arsenal.
Earlier this week, it emerged that West Ham were set to launch an official complaint after Callum Wilson’s late equaliser against the Gunners was controversially ruled out due to a foul on David Raya in the build-up.
I’m going for Pablo to start – let me know YOUR thoughts 👇
Off the bench to score late again please 🫡
Indeed, the decision to rule out Wilson’s goal against Arsenal was described as the biggest VAR call in Premier League history, given what it meant at both ends of the table.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle, Nuno confirmed the latest.
West Ham issue official complaint after Arsenal VAR drama
The Hammers head coach was asked if the complaint had gone in during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
He said: “I think we did a complaint. I think it was normal that we did it, to try to find some answers to some questions that create a lot of doubts.
Between 1-10, how would you rate West Ham’s survival chances if they beat Newcastle? 😬
“What I tell you about, and we’re going to speak about referees, VAR, is consistency. It’s needed. It helps the game, it helps the Premier League. It helps most and foremost the players.
“They [the players] have to realise, they have to understand, so there are no doubts, no frustrations.”
Nuno was furious with the decision to rule out Wilson’s goal, but it now appears as if he has moved on to an extent.
It is clearly now his job to ensure that his side are not in a position to have to rely on VAR during the final two games of the season.
West Ham are two points adrift of Premier League safety with just six to play for. They can, however, ensure they move ahead of Tottenham and out of the relegation zone for a few hours at least should they beat Newcastle on Sunday.
That would put them a point ahead of Spurs, who do not play until they travel to bitter rivals Chelsea on Tuesday night.
West Ham remain statistical favourites to be relegated and while that is clearly unwelcome, the mental boost of putting all the pressure back on Spurs could be huge.
Sunday’s opponents Newcastle are in poor form and three points on the road is the only thing that will suit the Irons this weekend.
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