Was West Ham's goal against Arsenal correctly disallowed? The head of EPL referees delivers his verdict
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
The head of the English Premier League refereeing body, Howard Webb, has issued an official statement clarifying the high-profile incident during the match between West Ham and Arsenal.
Details: According to Webb, the referees made the absolutely correct decision by disallowing the Hammers' goal in the final minutes of the match. The reason was a clear and obvious foul on the Gunners' goalkeeper, David Raya.
"Is that a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically—yes," Webb declared, putting an end to the fans' debate.
He emphasized that if a goalkeeper is prevented from doing his job by being held or impeded, such a violation will be penalized immediately. Therefore, the actions of West Ham's forward were deemed illegal, preserving the winning result for Mikel Arteta's side.
Webb added that the VAR system worked flawlessly in this episode, quickly identifying the physical interference with the keeper that prevented him from making a proper play on the ball.
For the record: Arsenal are ready to spend €90 million on Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler.
