Tony Gale questions West Ham United controversy in 2-0 loss v Brentford
West Ham United hero Tony Gale provided a strong response to referee Michael Oliver’s decision to rule out a goal by Danny Ings in the 2-0 defeat at Brentford on Sunday 14 May.
The former Hammer was on commentary duty for Australian broadcaster Optus Sport, as the VAR call was made to deprive David Moyes’ side of a potential comeback in the game with around 20 minutes left to play at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The loss to the Bees means West Ham remains in 15th position in the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone, as it stands.
Gale couldn’t believe the decision that went against Divin Mubama, who was adjudged to have handled the ball after Said Benrahma’s cross hit the post, prior to Ings’ effort [Optus Sport, 14 May, 15:32] .
“It’s a harsh one, isn’t it? He can’t get out of the way,” he said.
“Cannot get out of the way. Those are the rules.
“It’s simply his momentum that took him towards the goals there.”
Frustration
Here we have another talking point, with a VAR decision going against West Ham, again.
It is just as well that Moyes’ men are not quite in the thick of the relegation battle or the response to this latest incident would have been ferocious after what was a very contentious call.
Mubama, naturally, had his arm out-stretched to stop a collision with the post, in what was a genuine attempt to get to the ball. He never made any further movement when the ball rebounded but Oliver made his mind up after he was asked to look again on the VAR monitor.
Deliberate handball was supposedly the outcome but this is another case of interpreting the rules rather than what has been seen.
The goal would have galvanised the Hammers in search of an equaliser but it was not to be, meaning that the club will need to wait until next week for the chance to confirm their Premier League status.