MOTD pundit interrupts Gary Lineker as he reacts to West Ham United controversy v Fulham
Danny Murphy has questioned the role of the assistant referee in the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham on Saturday (8 April).
The MOTD pundit suggested that the official should have spotted a handball in the buildup to West Ham’s goal in the 23rd minute, which turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed sent the ball into his own net from a Jarrod Bowen cross, but Fulham boss Marco Silva was adamant that there was a handball moments before the goal was scored.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday night (8 April, 1hr26m10s), Lineker said: “Well let’s get straight to the handball because Marco Silva talked about it, didn’t he? He’s got a point. Obviously it didn’t lead immediately to the goal, which is a VAR thing…”
Murphy then interrupted Lineker to say: “Before VAR, the referee’s assistant is just three yards away. He’s got to see that because it’s a clear handball, it’s hit both of his arms.”
Lineker agreed, saying: “Yeah, I know.”
Murphy continued: “VAR should be telling the referee that’s handball.”
Fortunate
Reed’s very first own goal came at the perfect time for West Ham fans, who had to endure a tense afternoon at Craven Cottage as their team continues its fight for Premier League safety.
Many Hammers supporters would have been fearing the worst following the 5-1 loss to Newcastle on Wednesday (5 April), with the pressure on Moyes seemingly reaching boiling point after that humiliating defeat.
But the boss replied in perfect fashion with a fantastic three points against an impressive Fulham side that have been enjoying a strong campaign.
It was by no means a beautiful goal or a beautiful victory, but West Ham will be thrilled with the three points, as winning is all that matters for the Hammers between now and the end of the season.
As for the goal, it’s another dark moment for VAR, which still has its problems despite being in operation for some time now.
But again, the mistake from the assistant has come at the perfect time for the Hammers, who definitely rode their luck as they battled out the important win.