Jeff Stelling explodes at West Ham United controversy v Liverpool live on talkSPORT
Jeff Stelling has exploded at referee Anthony Taylor for his controversial decision involving Alphonse Areola during the 2-2 draw between West Ham and Liverpool.
The legendary broadcaster labelled the decision “horrific”, stating it was the worst decision he has seen in any game this season.
The incident in question came after the Hammers goalkeeper went down after colliding with the post, the referee told him to play on and the ball was rolled out to resume play, but Taylor blew his whistle before Cody Gakpo could tap it in.
It was a moment of madness which raised questions over the official’s decision-making, having initially waved play on before changing his mind when he realised Liverpool were going to score.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [29 April, 07:55], Stelling fumed: “It was crazy. You could see Anthony Taylor was waving play on. Areola put the ball back into play, and then for some bizarre reason, Taylor decides to blow his whistle to stop Gakpo from rolling it in.
“It seemed like he almost encouraged the West Ham keeper to be injured when he wasn’t, he was calling the physios on, nobody else. He’s made an almighty cock-up and tried to cover his back.
“What the heck was that decision about? He’s made a horrific mistake. It was, for me, the most bizarre refereeing decision of the entire season.”
Anthony Taylor slammed live on air after West Ham incident
Referring to the incident as the most bizarre he has seen all season is heavy criticism from Stelling given the controversial decisions which have been made across the Premier League, with no game seemingly free of controversy.
Stelling’s anger was shared by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer who discussed the incident live on Match of the Day, coming to the conclusion that neither of them could understand why Taylor had stopped the game at that moment.
While this call may have benefited West Ham by preventing Liverpool from scoring via a simple tap-in and may have been the right one overall with Areola struggling, it’s the manner of the call that has raised questions.
West Ham have not been without their own controversy this season, notably incidents in the games against Wolves at Molineux and Newcastle at St James’ Park, as the officials heading Premier League games will be questioned once more.
In other West Ham news, a “very sad” Jurgen Klopp verdict emerged after the game.
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