Referees Chief Webb Backs Disallowing West Ham Goal for Foul on Arsenal Keeper

Referees chief Howard Webb said disallowing West Ham's stoppage-time equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday was the right call.

Webb said officials would consult at season's end on how to handle excessive grappling in the penalty area.

Callum Wilson appeared to earn West Ham a Premier League point in the fifth minute of added time. But video assistant referee Darren England intervened after spotting a foul by Pablo Fornals on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The decision sparked controversy. It handed Arsenal a 1-0 victory and influenced standings for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the top and bottom of the table.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised VAR England for showing "a lot of courage." West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo faulted referees for a "lack of consistency."

On Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb said the foul on Raya required a penalty.

"Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes," Webb said. "We've said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can't do their job, they'll be penalised."

He added that the rule covers specific contact interfering with the goalkeeper's arms or hands. "Raya can't do what he would normally do in that situation, simply catch the ball or punch the ball, and they intervene, and they come to the right decision."

"When you look at that in the round, that's clearly the clear and obvious offence that needs penalising."

Audio released showed VAR officials checked other potential fouls, including Leandro Trossard on Pablo Fornals. Webb supported their view. "The most significant contact undoubtedly is that on the goalkeeper."

Referee Chris Kavanagh officiated with assistant Dan Cook. VAR was Darren England, assisted by Akil Howson. Hawk-Eye handled replays.

**VAR: Possible foul on keeper.**

**VAR: Watch has gone.**

**AVAR: Goal given.**

**AR1: I don't see any foul on the goalkeeper.**

**REF: On-field decision is goal.**

**VAR: Checking the on-field decision of goal.**

VAR checked angles frame by frame. "For me, there is a foul. Potential foul with the arm," England said. "His hand is holding his arm down. That's impactful, for me."

"The left arm there, is holding, is across the body. He's across the head and he's holding the left arm of Raya, there. Which impedes his ability to get to the ball properly."

Officials considered Trossard and Declan Rice but focused on the keeper foul.

**VAR: Chris, I'm going to recommend an on-field review for a possible foul on the goalkeeper but there are some other incidents to look at while you're at the monitor as well.**

**VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.**

**REF: I can see the clear holding on him across.**

Kavanagh reviewed Trossard and Rice actions but ruled no fouls there. The foul preceded them.

**REF: After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.**