Former Premier League referee reacts to West Ham v Manchester United controversy after image emerges
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive West Ham United columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium...
Keith Hackett agrees with the decision to allow Manchester United’s late winner against West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for Man United as David Moyes’ run of failing to win at Old Trafford as an opposing manager continued.
In the build-up to the goal, there was a very close offside call involving Edinson Cavani and West Ham’s deepest defender Aaron Cresswell.
After watching the footage and reviewing the above image, Hackett feels it was right to say Cavani was onside even without using the lines because the benefit of the doubt should go in the forward’s favour.
Speaking to West Ham Zone about the controversy, Hackett said: “I think this is a tight call – and the right one.
“I think that what they’ve done this year is they’ve adjusted the broadcast lines and I think that has allowed this type of goal to stand.
“This is what I was asking for last season so therefore can accept that on these tight calls, it’s going to benefit the forward.
“Cavani’s toe isn’t offside and his hand and arm can’t be.
“For me, the PGMOL have moved in the right direction with offside decisions.
“We’ve criticised the PGMOL quite often but I do think generally, the PGMOL are operating in a much better way with regards to offsides this season.
“There’s less interference and they’re also operating better when a goal is scored. There’s not this lengthy delay, it seems to be more free-flowing.”
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit is thrilled by a “massive statement” signing potentially being on the cards at the Hammers.
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