Referees' chief says disallowing Hammers goal against Arsenal 'categorically' right

TL;DR

Referees' chief Howard Webb confirmed that disallowing West Ham's potential equalizer against Arsenal was 'categorically' the right decision, emphasizing it was a good use of VAR. The ruling came after a foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya during a chaotic moment in the match.

Key points

Howard Webb confirmed the disallowed goal was correct
The decision was based on a foul on goalkeeper David Raya
West Ham contacted PGMO to express their concerns
Arsenal's win keeps them five points clear at the top
West Ham remains in the relegation zone

Mentioned in this story

Howard WebbDavid Raya

West HamArsenal

A VAR check for Callum Wilson's disallowed goal during Arsenal's win at West Ham (Adrian Dennis) (Adrian Dennis/AFP/AFP) Referees' chief Howard Webb has said disallowing what would have been a key West Ham equaliser during Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal was a "categorically" correct decision and "a good use of VAR". The Hammers trailed to Leandro Trossard's late strike at the London Stadium, but appeared to have rescued a last-gasp draw when Callum Wilson fired home after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya dropped the ball. West Ham's celebrations were curtailed, however, by a prolonged intervention from VAR Darren England that ended with referee Chris Kavanagh changing his decision, ruling Pablo had fouled Raya, after consulting the pitch-side monitor. Arguably the most important VAR decision yet seen in the Premier League helped leaders Arsenal go five points clear at the top of the table, with two games to play, and left West Ham in the relegation zone. The Hammers are reported to have contacted referees' body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to raise their concerns. But Webb, the chief refereeing officer at PGMO, had no doubt the officials were right in finally ruling Pablo had committed a clear and obvious foul. Webb, speaking on Tuesday's Match Officials Mic'd Up programme on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, said: "Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes. "We've said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can't do their job, they'll be penalised." He added: "We're not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we're talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper's arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job. "On the video, it's clear and it's obvious and it happens early. And, even though it's not clear and obvious to the referee because he's got a huge group of players in a penalty area and it's difficult to see, when the VAR sees this, of course, they have to get involved." The foul on Raya was part of a sequence where various players were grappling, pulling and pushing one another in what has become a familiar sight at corners and free-kicks this season. "We've penalised more holding penalties than we did last year, but we've missed some as well," said Webb. "Not like this, though, where the goalkeeper's arms are being interfered with. This is different and this is why this one is a clear offence and a good use of VAR." jdg/bsp

Q&A

Why was West Ham's goal against Arsenal disallowed?

West Ham's goal was disallowed due to a foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya, as confirmed by referees' chief Howard Webb.

What did Howard Webb say about the VAR decision in the West Ham vs Arsenal match?

Howard Webb stated that the VAR decision to disallow the goal was 'categorically' correct and highlighted it as a good use of VAR.

How does the disallowed goal affect West Ham's position in the Premier League?

The disallowed goal left West Ham in the relegation zone, while Arsenal's victory allowed them to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Referees' chief says disallowing Hammers goal against Arsenal 'categorically' right

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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