Peter Schmeichel has expressed his frustration over the decision to disallow West Ham’s stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, stating that the Gunners would “never be top of the league if that’s a free kick.” The incident occurred during a dramatic conclusion to Sunday’s match at the London Stadium, where Callum Wilson’s goal was ruled out after a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, followed by an extended VAR review.
The outcome of the decision has significant implications for both teams. Arsenal now sit just two wins away from securing their first Premier League title in 22 years, while West Ham remain one point away from safety. With Tottenham set to play their game in hand against Leeds later that evening, the stakes were high for both clubs.
The VAR ruling sparked immediate debate among football experts and fans. Darren Caan, a former Premier League assistant referee, suggested that it is time for a rule change regarding actions within the six-yard box during corners. However, Schmeichel did not support Raya in this instance, expressing strong disagreement with the decision.
“It’s just so wrong on so many levels,” Schmeichel said after the game. “What really makes me angry is that Arsenal would never be top of the league if that’s a free kick. That’s how they’ve scored so many goals by blocking people, holding people, doing all kinds of things, and then we get to this point.”
He continued: “It takes VAR five minutes. Darren England, the VAR official, [it takes him] five minutes. He starts the replay over and over again. That in itself puts so much doubt into that decision. It cannot be a free kick, it cannot. I think it’s so wrong, I just don’t understand why all of a sudden that’s a free kick, because it’s not been for any teams all the way throughout the season.”
Shay Given, a former Manchester City goalkeeper, shared similar sentiments during a discussion on Match of the Day. He highlighted the inconsistency in refereeing decisions this season, particularly regarding Arsenal.
“The thing that grates me is we have seen on numerous occasions with Arsenal this season, goalkeepers and defenders getting blocked off and the goal stands,” he said. “Everyone is frustrated about the consistency of the refereeing decision. Why are some goals allowed to stand and this was disallowed? There is so much at stake at the bottom of the league and the very top.”
Given also questioned the timing of the foul, pointing out that Gabriel, Odegaard, and Trossard were holding players before the incident involving Raya. “When does the referee decide that’s the foul he wants to pick and not the previous foul?” he asked.
On the other hand, several pundits, including Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright, Rob Green, and Danny Murphy, supported the decision. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, called the call “brave” given the high stakes for both teams.
Rooney, speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, stated: “It’s a clear foul. I think you can clearly see the arm crosses his face and it impacts him getting to the ball. So I think it’s the right decision. It’s the one time I actually think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Burnley next Monday before concluding their season with a final-day clash against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, West Ham will travel to Newcastle next Saturday.
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