Peter Schmeichel vented his “anger” over calls to ban West Ham United’s stoppage-time equalizer against Arsenal, insisting the Gunners “would never have been league champions if it had been a free-kick”.
There was drama at the end of Sunday’s game at the London Stadium when Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time goal was disallowed for a foul on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya and following a lengthy VAR review.
advertise
The decision means Arsenal are just two wins away from their first Premier League title in 22 years, while West Ham are just one point away from safety and Tottenham face Leeds United tonight.
David Raya was ruled guilty of a foul after a lengthy VAR review (Getty)
VAR’s decision inevitably sparked discussion, with former Premier League assistant coach Darren Kahn arguing it is time to change the rules around the six-yard box for corner kicks. However, former Manchester United goalkeeper Schmeichel did not sympathize with Raya this time.
“Today’s decision is wrong on so many levels,” Schmeichel said. Viapra After the game. “What really pisses me off is that if it had been a free-kick, Arsenal would never have been league champions.
advertise
“That’s how they score so many goals by blocking people, containing people, doing all kinds of things, and then we get to this point. VAR takes five minutes.”
“Darren England, VAR official, [it takes him] Five minutes. He started replaying it over and over again. This in itself casts considerable doubt on the decision. It couldn’t be a free kick, no way.
“I think it’s very wrong and I just don’t understand why all of a sudden it’s a free kick because no team has had that all season.
“All of this is crazy and today’s decision is wrong on so many levels.”
advertise
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given speaks match of the dayalso has a similar mentality.
“What annoys me is how many times we’ve seen in Arsenal games this season the goalkeeper and the defender are blocked and the goal is blocked,” he said.
Peter Schmeichel disagrees with calls to ban West Ham’s equalizer (Getty Images)
“Everyone is frustrated by the consistency of refereeing decisions. Why are some goals allowed and this one disallowed? There is so much at stake at the bottom of the league and at the top.
“The other thing is Gabriel had the ball, Odegaard had the ball, Trossard had the ball, even before Raya committed the foul. When did the referee decide that this was the foul he wanted to call, as opposed to the previous foul?”
advertise
On the other hand, experts such as Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright, Rob Green and Danny Murphy believe the right decision was made. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the decision as “brave” as it was crucial for both teams.
Rooney told the BBC the wayne rooney show: “It was a clear foul. I think you could clearly see the arm went through his face and it affected him from catching the ball. So I think it was the right decision.
“This is the first time I really think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game.”
Arsenal face Burnley next Monday and play at Crystal Palace on the final day. Meanwhile, West Ham United travel to Newcastle next Saturday.