“This is absolutely disgraceful. That was clearly a penalty to West Ham. Chelsea is using its advantage as a big team to bully other smaller teams. This match should be well investigated by an unbiased board” – This is according to Jamie Carragher despite the fact that the Premier League has clarified the contentious penalty decision awarded to West Ham against Chelsea, Jamie Carragher remains skeptical as he claims there is foul play.
West Ham was denied a penalty against Chelsea, leaving talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface "gobsmacked." After going down 2-0 early in the match, the Hammers seemed poised to make a comeback when Crysencio Summerville was held in the box by Wesley Fofana.
West Ham was denied a penalty against Chelsea, leaving talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface “gobsmacked.”
After going down 2-0 early in the match, the Hammers seemed poised to make a comeback when Crysencio Summerville was held in the box by Wesley Fofana.
The former Leeds winger, who joined East London for over £25 million this summer, was played into the penalty area and fell after Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana grabbed his arm.
On-field referee Sam Barrott dismissed West Ham’s appeals, and the decision was reviewed by VAR. Ultimately, it was decided that no penalty would be awarded, and Barrott was not even called to check the pitchside monitor.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre’s X account read: “The VAR reviewed the referee’s decision not to award a penalty for the challenge by Fofana on Summerville and confirmed it, stating that there was no significant holding.”
During the talkSPORT coverage, chief commentator Matterface and former England striker Ashton discussed the incident:
Ashton: “Fofana clearly has a grip on him; he’s holding his arm, that’s undeniable. The question is whether the officials believe there’s enough contact to justify Summerville twisting and falling as he did.”
Matterface: “That’s definitely a penalty. I’ll be shocked if this isn’t overturned.
“Surely the referee will be asked to check the monitor, but it seems he won’t. They’re still reviewing it, yet it appears the referee isn’t inclined to take a look.”
Dean: “But how is that possible? It’s incredibly frustrating. I can’t understand why the referee on the pitch wouldn’t go and review that.”
“The referee should definitely take a closer look at that situation, especially for such an important decision. Even at regular speed, it was clear he was holding the player’s arm.”
After hearing the Premier League’s official explanation, the talkSPORT pundits remained skeptical.
Ashton: “How long does someone need to hold onto a player for it to be considered sustained?”
“But I pointed out that as Summerville was pulled, he flipped over—it’s not a natural movement.”
Matterface: “What exactly does ‘sustained’ holding mean?”
West Ham’s day began poorly when Nicolas Jackson scored two goals within 14 minutes, putting Chelsea ahead.
Things worsened early in the second half when Cole Palmer scored, extending Chelsea’s lead to 3-0.
More updates to come…