Gary Lineker explains how new appeal system would work after Wolves v West Ham United controversy
Gary Lineker has suggested an idea for a new appeal system following controversy at the end of West Ham United v Wolves, he said on Match of the Day.
The game at Molenuix ended in frustrating circumstances for the home side as Max Kilman’s late equaliser was ruled out.
Leon Chiwome was adjudged to be in an offside position and blocking the vision of Hammers keeper, Lukasz Fabianski.
This sparked controversy and a frustrated reaction from Gary O’Neil who couldn’t believe the decision that was made.
Lineker spoke out on Match of the Day (6 April) about the need for VAR to change to reduce the number of potential errors made.
On that, he suggested: “Because VAR has taken over, the only way out of this is an appeal system like they have in other sports. I genuinely think that’s the only way. Maybe one a half and the manager can say ‘I want an appeal’. The team themselves say they want an appeal then VAR makes a decision but they only have one each half and if you’re right in your appeal you keep that. See I don’t think anyone would appeal for that [Kilman’s goal].”
How could an appeal system suit West Ham United?
Although O’Neil and the Wolves fans and players were fuming with the decision, things had gone against the Hammers prior.
When Emerson appeared to have levelled the scores up, the referee blew his whistle and opted to give a foul in favour of the home side.
Nelson Semedo went down under limited pressure from the Italian and the referee sided with the Portuguese international.
With Lineker’s idea in practice, there is no doubt that Moyes would appeal this decision and it may have been ruled out and the score is 1-1.
It isn’t how football works but this would point towards a 3-1 win for the Hammers or 3-2 if Kilman’s late goal was to count.
VAR decisions go for and go against every team in the Premier League and an appeal system could benefit them. It is easy to get frustrated by the system but this time it has gone in favour of Moyes and his side.
In other West Ham news, a Lucas Paqueta transfer problem has emerged.
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