Mike Dean reacts instantly to West Ham vs Sunderland controversy
West Ham United were awarded a penalty as Trai Hume brought Ollie Scarles down against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
The London Stadium hosts Regis Le Bris’ team on 24 January, with the Hammers taking a two-goal lead less than half an hour into the game.
In the 26th minute, Hume stuck his leg out as Scarles attempted to dribble past him in the Sunderland box, and Thomas Bramall immediately pointed to the spot.
VAR also reviewed the incident and stood by the on-field decision, with Jarrod Bowen subsequently scoring from the spot.
West Ham United right to be awarded penalty vs Sunderland
Mike Dean had no doubt over the Hammers being awarded a penalty after Scarles was fouled in the Sunderland box.
Hume can have no complaints about Bramall’s decision, which allowed the Irons to double their lead at the London Stadium after Crysencio Summerville’s opener.
Nuno Espirito Santo would’ve wanted a strong start for the East London outfit, and his players have given him exactly that going into the break, with Mateus Fernandes adding a third with a beautiful long-range shot.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on 24 January, Dean said, “I was surprised if it wasn’t given. It’s given on-field, and we had a similar one last week in Liverpool and Burnley, where the guy has cut inside, and his leg has been out. He’s gone over his leg. His leg is there. He’s invited the attacker to go over. He’s gone over. He’s given the pen. For me, on-field decision will stick, and it’ll be a penalty to West Ham.”
El Hadji Malick Diouf has returned after winning AFCON with Senegal, but Nuno has stuck with Scarles, and it has paid off.
The Hammers can cut the gap with Nottingham Forest to two points with a win ahead of Sean Dyche’s team facing Brentford on 25 January.
Kieth Hackett shares verdict on penalty decision vs Sunderland
Nuno’s future has been in question at the London Stadium, but it looks like the Portuguese manager is slowly cementing his future in E20.
While West Ham fans boycotted the opening 15 minutes of the game against Sunderland, supporters must now be breathing a sigh of relief.
Despite Summeville’s goal, there were still some nerves among the London Stadium faithful, but the penalty surely eased the tension.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said, “When a defender sticks out a straight leg, making no attempt to play the ball, his opponent will look to make contact. That’s what happened here, and the referee had no choice other than to award a penalty kick, which was the correct decision. VAR Timothy Wood took the correct action not to intervene.”
Fans will now hope the Hammers can keep the clean sheet in the second half.
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