Keith Hackett shares verdict on Michail Antonio penalty claim in West Ham v Everton
Keith Hackett believes West Ham were denied a blatant penalty by referee Stuart Attwell in their 1-0 loss to Everton on Sunday evening.
The visitors took a first-half lead through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the Irons thought they would be handed the chance to draw level before half time after Michail Antonio was barged into by Michael Keane in the penalty area.
However their calls for a spot-kick were waved away by Attwell who allowed the Blues to launch a counter-attack while West Ham protestations continued.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, former Premier League referee Hackett is adamant that the wrong call was made.
“I’ve seen penalty kicks given for that,” he said.
“Because I think genuinely what happens here is the Everton player is looking at the ball and then he’s seen him and barged in, he’s gone for the player and he’s skittled him out.
“I wouldn’t have been surprised if the referee had awarded a penalty kick there for that because I think the defender has offended, so I disagree with Attwell.
“They’re probably unfortunate not to have a penalty kick but the problem is what we’re seeing is holding and pulling and everything else in the penalty area going unpunished.”
Blatant barge
We’re not sure what exactly Antonio was supposed to do in this scenario, and how a penalty was not awarded.
Keane wiped him out from behind as Antonio attempted to control the ball on his chest.
The striker was completely unaware of what was behind him as Keane smashed into him, and the decision seemed pretty clear-cut.
But Attwell didn’t see things the same, and the VAR didn’t to come to our rescue either.
Our lack of penalties over the years has become common knowledge, and almost a running joke in the club.
But we’re not laughing at this decision that cost us precious points in our charge for the Champions League spots.
In other West Ham news, Reliable journalist: Irons will table blockbuster bid for 23y/o international star.
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