West Ham United: FIFA official ‘lost the plot’ as ‘great achievement’ mooted v Bayer Leverkusen
Roshane Thomas has suggested that referee Jose Maria Sanchez “lost the plot” as West Ham were knocked out of the Europa League by Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday (18 April).
Despite the defeat, The Athletic journalist lauded the Hammers squad for reaching the quarter-final of a European competition for three seasons, but could not help but comment on the referee’s display.
West Ham looked to be in dreamland when Michail Antonio scored the opener, halving the two-goal deficit from the first leg, but were unable to complete the comeback against the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions.
Taking to X on Thursday (18 April), Thomas wrote: “Can’t fault the effort from the players. Just couldn’t score that all-important second goal.
“Great achievement to reach the quarter-final of a European competition for three seasons. As for the ref, he sent off [Billy] McKinlay and booked six West Ham players. He lost the plot.”
Jose Maria Sanchez steals the spotlight in West Ham United v Bayer Leverkusen
The West Ham squad should have left the London Stadium with their heads held high, despite their rollercoaster form throughout the season.
The Hammers went toe-to-toe with the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions, a side that has not lost a single match all season.
If not for Jeremie Frimpong’s 89th-minute goal, due to Moyes’ side pushing for an illusive second goal, West Ham may have dealt Xabi Alonso his first defeat of the entire campaign.
Moyes will, obviously, be frustrated not to advance in the competition, but he finally showed a bit of emotion and character after the match, which fans will be glad to see.
The side must now make one final push to finish the season on a high, with just two points separating the London side from Newcastle United and Manchester United.
With matches against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City remaining, the players have a handful of opportunities to fight for their place at the club ahead of next season.
In other West Ham news, a free transfer could be on the cards for a Spanish international.
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