West Ham: Mikel Arteta shows clear hypocrisy with post-Champions League referee comments
West Ham United may still be looking back at the 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the relegation battle as a decisive moment.
The Irons were so close to stealing a point in the dying moments, boosting their chances of survival, and denting Arsenal’s title hopes.
However, after a VAR review on Pablo for holding David Raya, the goal was ultimately disallowed in what was one of the more contentious decisions of the season.
The aftermath resulted in football fans finding various examples of Arsenal getting away with similar issues, and the frustration only began to grow.
However, karma may have finally arrived for Arsenal, as comparisons with Arteta’s comments after losing the Champions League compared to after West Ham versus Arsenal.
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What did Mikel Arteta say after Arsenal’s Champions League final loss?
When Arsenal controversially secured a 1-0 win against West Ham at London Stadium, Arteta was quick to defend the referee and VAR for “bravely” coming to the decision that benefitted Arsenal.
It was a situation that left Nuno Espirito Santo confused as to what was deemed to be a foul or not in the Premier League.
| West Ham VAR “Errors” | Total |
| In favour | 2 |
| Against | 2 |
However, when Arsenal were on the perceived wrong end of a decision against PSG in the Champions League final, there was no praise for the officials this time.
Noni Madueke was involved in a tussle with Nuno Mendes, where the Englishman locked his arm with the Portuguese defender before falling to the ground, bringing Mendes with him. Calls for a penalty ensued, but there was never anything really in the call.
Arteta, though, instead of reacting to the “bravery” to not award a penalty for a big incident in the Champions League final, did the opposite.
The Arsenal manager said: “I watched it back and it can easily be a penalty. Basically we see the penalties they have given in the competition this season. The referee made that decision, but he made a different one with Mosquera. That’s an important one.”
It seems Arteta is finally getting the same treatment West Ham received against Arsenal, where Pablo was penalised for holding, but various other incidents of Arsenal’s players doing the same during the moment were ignored.
It was a moment that proved pivotal in the end in the relegation battle, as it would have put added pressure on Tottenham to get a result.
West Ham have one positive from relegation to Championship now
Talk over VAR can be tiring, and after this season, last season gone, the Hammers’ fanbase are likely more frustrated than they have ever been.
However, at minimum, the Irons will have a season completely without the technology as Championship sides voted against introducing VAR.
This means when goals are given, there will be no muted celebrations with fears of a foul or offside.
It is at least one positive that could be taken from this situation, although being in the Premier League would be much preferred.