Manchester United legend accused officials of applying a “double standard” after West Ham’s dramatic equaliser was ruled out in Arsenal’s crucial Premier League victory
Peter Schmeichel was anything but happy with the officiating after Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham United, arguing that the Gunners benefit from a “double standard” that has helped fuel their title challenge this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a narrow but vital win at the London Stadium to retain a five-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with only two matches remaining.
However, the result was overshadowed by a contentious VAR decision late in the game that denied West Ham what appeared to be a dramatic equaliser.
Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a crucial point for the relegation threatened Hammers in the closing stages, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to rule out the goal following a lengthy review.
Officials determined that Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up and Schmeichel was particularly vocal after the game, accusing Arsenal of routinely using similar physical tactics themselves without punishment.
“What really makes me angry is that Arsenal would never be top of the league if that’s a free-kick,” Schmeichel told Viaplay.
“That’s how they’ve scored so many goals, by blocking people, holding people, doing all kinds of things. And then we get to this point, it takes VAR five minutes, Darren England the VAR, it takes five minutes.”
“He starts it over again and starts it over again and again… that in itself puts so much doubt into that decision that it cannot be a free-kick.”
The former Manchester United goalkeeper continued his criticism by questioning the consistency of officiating standards throughout the season.
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“I think it’s so wrong. I just don’t understand why all of a sudden that’s a free-kick, because it’s not been for any teams all the way throughout the season,” he added.
“All this, it’s just crazy. And that decision today, it’s just so wrong on so many levels.”
Arsenal maintain title advantage as West Ham relegation fears grow
The controversial decision could ultimately have major consequences at both ends of the Premier League table. Pep Guardiola’s team still hold a game in hand, meaning the title race remains firmly alive heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
West Ham, meanwhile, were left devastated by the outcome. The Hammers remain 18th in the table with 36 points from 36 games, leaving their survival hopes hanging by a thread. Losing what could have been a valuable point may prove hugely damaging in the battle to avoid relegation.
“Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset,” West Ham coach Nuno Espírito Santo said.
“Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged different. Let’s not go further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt.
“You look at every corner in the Premier League and something like this is happening, not just today, but on all the pitches.
“I am talking about the lack of consistency. The players are confused and frustrated, and they don’t understand it. It is upsetting. It is up to them to solve it, there is a referee and VAR, but the referees confuse themselves.”
