A former Premier League referee has criticized the decision to award West Ham’s controversial penalty in their 2-1 win against Manchester United.
Casemiro thought he had earned a point for United when he headed in an 81st-minute equalizer on Sunday – canceling out Crysencio Summerville’s opener.
However, Erik ten Hag and his players were furious when referee David Coote awarded the hosts a penalty in the final moments after a lengthy VAR investigation.
Matthijs de Ligt is said to have fouled Danny Ings in the penalty area, but the defender claimed the striker had handled the ball in the build-up.
Coote gave no error in real time, but was sent to the monitor and chose to overturn his original decision.
West Ham were awarded a controversial late penalty in the 2-1 win over Manchester United
Jarrod Bowen scored in stoppage time to seal a controversial victory over the Red Devils
The incident sparked debate among pundits and fans online, with former Red Devil Gary Neville insisting the officials said it was ‘not right’.
Now former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has spoken out about the situation, insisting he thought it was a ‘bizarre’ call from VAR chief Michael Oliver.
In his column for The Telegraphhe wrote: ‘Crikey me, this is terrible. The decision to give West Ham a penalty that won them the match – and which could cost Erik ten Hag his job – is one of the worst I have ever seen.
‘I don’t understand how Matthijs de Ligt was convicted for a foul on Danny Ings. I’m having trouble even putting this into words. It’s bizarre – I’m baffled. Actually, it’s worse than bizarre. A park referee wouldn’t even give this as a penalty. Ten Hag has every right to be furious.
‘It is not a clear mistake by David Coote not to give a penalty. What on earth did Michael Oliver even see as VAR? It goes back to what I’ve talked about in the past, about referees and hierarchy.
Man United defender Matthijs de Ligt (centre) was adjudged to have made a foul in the penalty area
Experienced referee Michael Oliver was the VAR chief for United’s game against West Ham
“Everyone says Oliver is the number one referee in the country, and Coote is probably eight, nine or 10 on the list. I’m not saying he’s submissive, that would be a poor choice of words, but is Coote essentially just taking Oliver’s word? Is he working on the preconceived idea that Oliver must always be right?
The Premier League released a statement saying: ‘The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings. The VAR ruled that there was sufficient contact with Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field assessment. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.’
‘There appears to be no explanation for the thought process that preceded this.’
The Premier League said VAR official Michael Oliver had ruled there was significant contact with Ings’ lower leg and therefore recommended an on-field review.
The defeat causes even more criticism of the under-pressure Man United manager Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag was asked whether the fact that it was a senior referee who had requested the review had any bearing on Coote’s decision to overturn his original decision.
After the match he said: ‘I’m not criticizing anyone, I’m criticizing the process. Of course there are people who guide the process.
‘The off-field VAR was Michael Oliver. The field [referee] have to make a decision at the last minute.
‘I think it took three minutes to decide and make the call. But then you have to show great personality to ignore this decision by an experienced VAR [referee] has made.’
