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West Ham set to take action against controversial VAR decision

Published 10:12 11 May 2026 BST

Updated 10:12 11 May 2026 BST

Jack Fennessy
West Ham set to take action against controversial VAR decision

Homesport

Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 on Sunday to keep their title aspirations alive. However, the result was overshadowed by one of the most controversial VAR decisions in Premier League history.

Leandro Trossard looked to grab the headlines after his 82nd minute winner was set up by skipper, Martin Odegaard. With minutes left on the clock Callum Wilson seemed to fire West Ham back into the game, but after a VAR check lasting over four minutes - the goal was disallowed. (You can view the decision below).

Referee, Chris Kavanagh deemed that Pablo's arm across the throat of David Raya was enough to disallow the goal.

According to The Times, West Ham are set to lodge an official complaint over the disallowed goal. The Hammers are reported to be unhappy that if the officials needed more than four minutes to cancel the goal, it could not have been a clear-and-obvious error.

Supporters on social media feel the decision was soft and hypocritical due to Arsenal's previous exploits from corner-kicks this season.

"This is the goal Arsenal scored against Manchester United on the first game of the season and VAR allowed it" one X user highlighted.

Another supporter said, "For even more clarity.. yes, there is a foul on Raya. But there are at least 4 other fouls happening at the same time, all by Arsenal players impeding West Ham players trying to attack a corner?".

Former referee Keith Hackett praised the decision making of the VAR official Darren England. "It was good to listen to former World Class Asst Ref Darren Cann explain the process and the correct outcome to disallow the goal. Well done VAR Darren England".

The decision was pivotal at both ends of the table as Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Meanwhile, West Ham remain one point behind Tottenham before Spurs play their game in hand later tonight against an already safe Leeds United.

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