Arne Engels slammed for overshadowed moment in West Ham draw vs QPR - 'It's silly'

Arne Engels has been criticised for an under-the-radar moment as West Ham United drew to Queens Park Rangers on Friday.

The Belgian didn't have his best evening at the London Stadium.

That isn't to say he was out on his own as many Hammers players struggled to perform.

That played its part in a frustrating share of the points in East London.

Things could have been so different if Nicolas Madsen hadn't been given the chance from 12 yards and Jarrod Bowen hadn't missed one of his own.

A penalty was awarded against Tomas Soucek in a moment that actually helped Engels hide from the spotlight.

What West Ham will be thinking of penalty controversy vs QPR?

There is no getting away from the fact that the Irons weren't good enough at the London Stadium.

That may be the case, but QPR really shouldn't have been given the chance to get on the scoresheet.

It was clear as day that Soucek had won the ball and that should have been it.

That wasn't the view of referee Ruebyn Ricardo who pointed to the spot, but former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett disagrees.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Hackett said: "The West Ham man makes a challenge for the ball on the edge of the penalty area and makes clear contact with the ball to clear it away from the attacking player who then goes to ground.

"West Ham will be very disappointed that the referee has awarded an incorrect penalty kick.

"They will also be disappointed expressing a view that the challenge was outside the penalty area."

That sums up the fury of the claret and blue faithful, but it may have actually covered something else.

Did Arne Engels get away with one vs QPR?

In all of the frustration and annoyance of the penalty award, Engels set out on his own plan.

He was clearly baffled by the call and while protesting moved towards the penalty spot.

It is unclear whether he looked to tamper with the ground or simply delay the penalty kick, but it hasn't gone down well.

Hackett believes the lack of discipline cost him and a booking was a fair result.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Hackett added: "It’s a silly action by the West Ham United player attempting to interfere with the penalty mark.

"No doubt that he received his yellow card for delaying the restart.

"Whilst frustrated, he needed to show restraint and avoid receiving a cheap yellow card."

There was plenty going on in all of this, but Engels has still acted in a fashion that wasn't truly necessary.