VAR Disallows West Ham Equaliser Against Arsenal After Goalkeeper Contact

Referees' chief Howard Webb has defended the decision to disallow West Ham's last-ditch equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday, stating the foul on goalkeeper David Raya had to be penalised. Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a Premier League point for West Ham in the fifth minute of stoppage time, only for the video assistant referee to intervene.

The disallowance resulted in a 1-0 win for Arsenal.

The VAR, Darren England, along with Assistant VAR Akil Howson and the Hawk-Eye replay operator, considered multiple other possible fouls including Leandro Trossard on Pablo during the incident. Referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident at the monitor. After the review, Kavanagh awarded a direct free-kick against West Ham number 19, Pablo.

"Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes," Howard Webb said. " Webb added that the specific contact involves interference with the goalkeeper's arms or hands that stops them doing their job.

David Raya could not catch or punch the ball due to the contact from Pablo. "When you look at that in the round, that's clearly the clear and obvious offence that needs penalising," Webb stated. He said the most significant contact was that on the goalkeeper.

Mikel Arteta said the VAR, Darren England, showed "a lot of courage" to rule out the goal. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo criticised a "lack of consistency" by referees. The full VAR audio transcript of the West Ham disallowed goal was released by BBC News.

Grappling, holding and pushing has become a theme in the Premier League this season. Set-piece coaches are bringing players together in the penalty area looking for marginal gains.

A consultation about excessive grappling in the penalty area will take place at the end of the season. Discussions will be held at the end of the season about how to police grappling in the penalty area. "We consult all the time with the clubs, with the fan groups, with a range of other stakeholders about the type of game that they want to see and how they want us to officiate it," Webb added.

"This season's been a little bit more unique than previous ones about the number of contacts in the penalty area, and it does create a challenge for the officials," Webb said. " BBC News reported that referees have briefed that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms they will be penalised.