Ex-FIFA official clashes with Neil Swarbrick over West Ham United controversy v Chelsea as image emerges
Chelsea should have been awarded a late penalty against West Ham on Saturday due to a handball by Tomas Soucek, according to Chris Foy.
The all-London Premier League clash finished 1-1 at the London Stadium on 11 February with Emerson Palmieri’s strike against his former club cancelling out Joao Felix’s opener.
Soucek, 27, found himself at the centre of controversy in the latter stages of the game when he blocked a Conor Gallagher shot with his left arm.
Referee Craig Pawson saw no issue and neither did VAR Neil Swarbrick.
However, former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Foy believes both got it wrong and Chelsea should’ve been awarded a late spot-kick.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday (print edition, 12 February, page 115), Foy said: “When Tomas Soucek lunges to the ground to block Conor Gallagher’s shot, the ball clearly hits his arm.
“Play continues but the incident will have been checked by VAR Neil Swarbrick, who came to the conclusion that Soucek’s arm was in a natural position as the ball struck him.
“Personally, I think it was in an unnatural position. Soucek’s arm was away from his body and a penalty kick should have been awarded.
“I think it’s quite clear in that regard. And had referee Craig Pawson awarded the penalty, the decision would not have been overturned because there would have been no clear and obvious error.”
You can see the image of Soucek handling the ball below.
Lucky escape
We got lucky there, didn’t we?
It was a fine save by Soucek, who’s finally made himself useful after months and months of poor performances.
The Czech Republic international’s form has been a concern for a while now and he was very fortunate to not find himself getting sent off and helping Chelsea grab a late winner at the London Stadium.
It’s all swings and roundabouts though, isn’t it?
While Chelsea fans will feel aggrieved about not receiving a late penalty kick at the London Stadium, there are still West Ham fans reeling over Maxwel Cornet’s disallowed strike at Stamford Bridge back in September.
Jarrod Bowen barely touched Chelsea’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but Andy Madley, upon VAR review at the pitch-side monitor, somehow saw a foul by the English winger.
Things can balance themselves out over the course of a season but the controversial incident in the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge was far more clear-cut than this one.