The fallout from West Ham United’s defeat to Arsenal has continued, with the Hammers set to contact the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) – the referees’ body in British football.
With the dust still to settle after VAR controversially denied West Ham a late equaliser against Arsenal after Pablo Felipe was adjudged to have fouled David Raya in the build-up to Callum Wilson’s goal, the Irons are seeking clarity.
Give us your response to Callum Wilson’s VAR heartbreak? 😫
The right call? Or harsh on Pablo?
The decision has been labelled the biggest VAR call in Premier League history, given what is at stake. It could well have won the Gunners the title, all while relegating West Ham.
Though nothing can change now, West Ham want answers.
West Ham set to raise concerns to PGMO
According to BBC Sport, West Ham will raise their concerns about the decision while requesting further explanation from the PGMO about why the decision was made.
Nuno Espirito Santo criticised the VAR decision, along with several other West Ham players, while supporters vented their frustration on social media.
It’s also claimed that the club will request the audio recordings between referee Chris Kavanagh and Darren England.
Nothing can change now – but what do YOU want to hear from the PGMO?! 😳
I want to know why Rice on Dinos was ignored! 😡
It is the sheer lack of consistency that has proven so frustrating for supporters here in east London and beyond.
Pablo may well have fouled Raya, but grappling of that nature happens all the time and some of them go completely unpunished.
It is clearly too much to suggest that West Ham are looking increasingly likely to get relegated because of that call alone.
Still, that doesn’t mean the lack of consistency in officiating can be overlooked entirely. This is a problem for the game as a whole, rather than merely West Ham United.
An official complaint and answers given after the event cannot change anything now but it is the only avenue the club have left.
Answers and explanations after the event will clearly be scant consolation but that does not mean they are not welcome.
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