By Jonty Banks

8th May, 2023 | 3:10pm

Richard Keys reacts to Manchester United controversy v West Ham United on Twitter

Richard Keys has revealed his astonishment at the decision not to award West Ham United a penalty in their 1-0 victory against Manchester United after Victor Lindelof seemed to handle the ball in the penalty area.

David Moyes’ side all but confirmed their Premier League status for next season thanks to a first-half Said Benrahma strike, which took them seven points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.

However, the Hammers were denied a chance to double their lead on the stroke of half-time when Benrahma’s cross struck the arm of Lindelof, but a VAR check prompted no further action.

Reacting to the decision, and as shared by beIN SPORTS’ official Twitter account, Keys was stunned by the controversial decision to turn down West Ham’s appeals.

“You will not see a clearer handball, probably between now and the end of the season!” he said.

Blatant handball

How the officials came to the decision not to award a penalty is beyond belief.

With the score still poised on a knife edge at 1-0, West Ham were by no means out of the woods in their clash against Manchester United.

If they had fallen to defeat after this decision and subsequently been drawn into a relegation scrap over the coming three games, the handball decision would certainly have come under the microscope.

As it is, the officials really got away with this one due to the fact the Hammers went on to claim all three points at the London Stadium.

Time and time again this season, Premier League officials have shown no consistency in their decision-making regarding handballs, an at this point, fans barely understand the rules themselves.

The Premier League is widely regarded as the best league in Europe, but the standard of refereeing is really damaging its reputation.

Something simply has to change this summer.