West Ham United are reportedly preparing to file an official complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a controversial VAR decision during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, May 10.
The Hammers fell behind after Leandro Trossard scored in the 85th minute, before Callum Wilson found the net in the 90+5th minute following a corner kick. However, celebrations at the London Stadium were cut short after VAR intervened and recommended an on-field review for a foul committed by West Ham substitute Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
After reviewing 17 replay angles over a period of four minutes and 17 seconds, referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the goal and awarded Arsenal a direct free kick.
West Ham Prepare Official Complaint
The Hammers are now reportedly set to submit an official complaint over the incident, which leaves them closer to relegation. According to The Mirror, West Ham wants access to the audio conversation between Kavanagh and VAR official Darren England during the review process. The club reportedly believes that a decision taking that long to reach should not fall under the 'clear and obvious error' threshold required for VAR intervention. West Ham also claims Kavanagh watched the replay 17 times on the pitchside monitor before eventually disallowing the goal.
Meanwhile, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is the body responsible for appointing and training match officials in English professional football, including the Premier League, EFL, and FA competitions. The PGMOL is currently led by Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb; it manages over 600 officials and was formed in 2001, per Premier League.
Nuno Espirito Santo Blasts Referees
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed his displeasure over the level of officiating against Arsenal at London Stadium on Sunday, May 10. According to Sky Sports, the Portuguese manager explained that the referees were not sure if the incident was a foul. Santo acknowledged that Arsenal were a tough nut to crack in the explosive encounter. He said: 'Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset. Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged differently. Let's not go further than that. Even the referees don't know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt. Let's look at the game overall. We made a very good match. Arsenal is a tough team. We lost the game.'
West Ham's complaint adds to the ongoing debate about VAR consistency in the Premier League, with the club seeking clarity and accountability from the officiating body.
