Danny Murphy: West Ham United were ‘robbed’ in Premier League draw vs Sheffield United
Danny Murphy says West Ham were “robbed” with the awarding of a late penalty to Sheffield United in Sunday’s (21 January) 2-2 draw.
The Blades were given a 98th-minute spot-kick at Bramall Lane after Alphonse Areola was adjudged to have taken out Oli McBurnie.
McBurnie converted in the 103rd minute – the latest goal in Premier League history – to rescue his side a dramatic 2-2 draw.
However, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2 [21 January, 32m 44s], Murphy insists it should have been a free-kick in West Ham’s favour.
“When something is as blatant as that it must be so frustrating for a player and manager,” Murphy said. “You feel cheated, robbed.
“But VAR should have intervened because it’s a clear and obvious error – it’s a free-kick the other way. There’s nothing there for a penalty.
“I understand David Moyes’ frustration, but fair play to him for keeping his mouth closed – what’s the point?”
Shocking
West Ham were looking good value for all three points in Sheffield after James Ward-Prowse had restored their lead in the 79th minute.
That all changed when referee Michael Salisbury pointed to the spot in the dying embers in a shocking decision.
As Murphy pointed out, it not only was not a penalty to the Blades, it should have been a free-kick in West Ham’s favour.
McBurnie led with his arms and caught Areola in the face, forcing the goalkeeper off the field and meaning Lukasz Fabianski had to come on.
To make matters worse for the visitors, they were denied a penalty of their own even later in the game for a challenge on Jarrod Bowen.
That was not a clear and obvious mistake from the referee, whereas the previous call was. Quite why it was allowed to stand is anyone’s guess.
With every point likely to count in West Ham’s pursuit of European qualification, this dreadful call may yet prove pivotal come the end of May.
In other West Ham news, Rio Ferdinand called out a “ridiculous” section of the fanbase while speaking live on TNT Sports.
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