Keith Hackett: Mike Dean had no chance of spotting clear Rob Holding handball for Arsenal v West Ham United
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 has agreed that Rob Holding clearly handled the ball before Arsenal’s winner against West Ham United.
The ex-FIFA official did admit that Mike Dean had no prayer of seeing it, though, and needed help from VAR.
David Moyes complained about the decision after the game, and Hackett was on his side, admitting it should have been ruled out.
“Funnily enough, I agree with him,” he exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“Again, this is one that is difficult for the referee to spot, but the thing is when David Moyes makes that type of comment, he doing it with a great deal of experience and understanding of the law.
“For me, I agree with him, Mike Dean has not got a prayer, he’s looking in, but the body is covering, this is a VAR call. When you do review it, you see what I assume is his right arm and I’m saying he has control of the ball.”
These rules get worst with each passing day, and we swear they change every other week.
Holding didn’t touch the ball with any other part of his body than his arm, so how is this not being disallowed?
It was in the same move as Gabriel’s goal, and Dean needs help from technology to show him where the offence was.
What is the point in VAR if it doesn’t flag up moments such as this one?
In other West Ham United news, Yaya Toure has said he would be open to helping this Irons star improve to the next level
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