Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 7 April 2026 10:10, UK

Nuno Espirito Santo will not be happy with the Premier League’s referee appointments for West Ham United’s game against Wolves.

The Hammers are looking to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat versus Leeds and continue their quest for survival on Friday evening.

Earlier in the season, the Irons unexpectedly lost to this week’s opponents, Wolves, handing the Old Gold their first win of the season in January.

Nuno will drill into his side that complacency is not acceptable this time around, with three points being absolutely vital.

Ahead of West Ham versus Wolves, the Hammers could climb out of the relegation zone, but that could be made more difficult with Neil Davies named as VAR.

Premier League decide officials for West Ham vs Wolves

West Ham will be the first game up on this match week, with their fixture kicking off at 8 pm on Friday, 10 April.

In preparation, the Premier League has announced the referee and his officiating team for the match, with Australian Jarred Gillett taking centre stage.

The Hammers may have some hope of bringing in three points, as Gillett has officiated eight West Ham matches previously.

The East London outfit have lost just two of those ties, with five wins secured as well.

This season has been mixed, with the Australian taking charge of both matches against Tottenham. West Ham lost 3-0 at home but won 2-1 in North London.

Overall, the appointment of Gillett will not worry Nuno much, but the appointment of Davies on VAR certainly will.

Why Nuno will not be happy with Neil Davies’ involvement

Davies has been involved in a decision that left West Ham fuming this season, and the fact that it came against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest only makes things worse.

In January, Alphonse Areola was penalised for fouling Morgan Gibbs-White as he looked to claim a cross.

Referee Tony Harrington did not originally give the foul but was asked by VAR Davies to review his decision.

Nuno responded to the call at the time, saying: “How many times have you seen this happen and nothing given?

“Not in my days and not today; it should not be given. That is how I see it.”

Tomas Soucek also branded the call a “joke”. West Ham were said to have lodged a complaint to PGMOL over the incident, too.

Nuno was quite animated on the touchline versus Forest, prompting criticism for his antics.

So the West Ham manager will certainly not be best pleased to have Davies on VAR again.