FA to charge West Ham after explosive incident vs Brighton – Exclusive
West Ham really don’t do clean sheets.
After going ahead through Jarrod Bowen in the 10th minute, Nuno Espirito Santo‘s men conceded two penalties in the space of a few minutes to allow Brighton back into the game at the London Stadium.
Danny Welbeck levelled for the Seagulls in the 32nd minute after a rash challenge by out-of-form Max Kilman brought down Yankuba Minteh on the box.
Welbeck then struck the crossbar with a Panenka penalty four minutes later, after Lucas Paqueta was penalised for wrestling Lewis Dunk to the ground while defending a corner.
Nuno’s job is under increasing threat at the London Stadium, so the last thing he’ll be wanting right now will be brainless mistakes made in his defence.
Fortunately for him, Brighton then gifted a penalty back to West Ham, which was scored by Paqueta, for them to go into the half-time break 2-1 ahead.
Keith Hackett on the Max Kilman penalty
West Ham cannot have any qualms about the penalty that Kilman gave away when he brought down Minteh.
Former PGMOL general manager and Premier League referee Keith Hackett was happy with the on-field decision by Michael Salisbury.
“Correct decision by the referee to award the penalty kick. Poor challenge by the West Ham United player bringing him to the ground,” Hackett exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“Referee in a good viewing position to make his accurate judgment.“
And the ex-referee’s verdict on Lucas Paqueta bringing down Lewis Dunk
Hackett continued to be impressed by Salisbury’s officiating when he penalised Paqueta for pulling Dunk down to the ground in the area.
After Welbeck’s penalty struck the crossbar and West Ham ended up with a free-kick of their own, there was a melee involving several players from both sides.
As a result, Hackett expects the FA to bring charges against the two clubs.
“Well done to the referee for correctly penalising what is a clear rugby challenge by Paqueta,” said the former FIFA-listed referee.
“From the penalty miss by Wellbeck, we witnessed a mass confrontation.
“This will result in both clubs being charged for failing to control their players.”
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