Michael Oliver ‘incompetent’ after West Ham United controversy v Manchester United
Ian Ladyman has torn into Michael Oliver and David Coote for their “incompetent” decision-making in West Ham United’s win over Manchester United.
The Hammers got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils on Sunday (27 October) thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s late penalty after Matthis de Ligt was adjudged to have fouled Danny Ings.
On-field referee Coote had originally not given the foul before VAR Oliver called for the decision to be overturned and Daily Mail journalist Ladyman has slammed the duo for their “incompetence”.
Speaking on It’s All Kicking Off (29 October, 25:15) he said: “By me saying cheated, if you think I was inferring it was a deliberate act by Michael Oliver the VAR official and David Coote the on-field referee, of course I don’t.
“But it is incompetence. That is incompetent. I’m sorry, but you and I sit on this podcast weekly defending referees. You can’t defend them over something like this. That is incompetent.”
Why did West Ham get a penalty after controversial incident v Manchester United?
It does feel as though football supporters up and down the country are having these sorts of conversations about officials week in and week out.
At least once every weekend, the referees and the officials around them are making decisions that make little to no sense to both supporters and pundits alike.
While the odd error here or there is understandable, it does feel as though VAR is frequently getting involved unnecessarily and deciding games single-handedly. It was brought in to help referees rather than re-referee games.
On this occasion, West Ham fans won’t be too worried as the call has gone in their favour. Bowen’s late penalty has not only put a gap between the Hammers and the dropzone but also eased the pressure on Julen Lopetegui in the dugout.
Hopefully, the Irons won’t have any similarly contentious calls go against them between now and the end of the campaign, but these things tend to have a way of evening themselves out over a season.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have pinpointed a Premier League forward as their new primary striker target
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