VAR Right to Disallow West Ham's Late Equaliser Against Arsenal, Says Referees' Chief Howard Webb.

Webb defends "categorical" foul call on Arsenal keeper David Raya, calling it a "good use of VAR"

Referees’ chief Howard Webb has strongly defended the decision to overturn a last-gasp West Ham equaliser in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, describing the intervention as “categorically” correct and “a good use of VAR”.

West Ham thought they had snatched a dramatic draw when Callum Wilson fired home after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya dropped the ball deep into stoppage time. However, following a lengthy VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh reversed the decision after consulting the pitch-side monitor, ruling that West Ham’s Pablo had fouled Raya in the build-up.

The decision helped Premier League leaders Arsenal open up a five-point gap at the top with two matches remaining, while leaving West Ham still in the relegation zone. The Hammers have reportedly contacted referees' body PGMOL to express their concerns.

Speaking on Tuesday’s Match Officials Mic’d Up programme, Webb said: “Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes. We’ve said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can’t do their job, they’ll be penalised.”

Webb emphasised that this was not about general contact but specifically interference with the goalkeeper’s arms or hands. “On the video, it’s clear and it’s obvious and it happens early,” he added. “Even though it’s not clear and obvious to the referee because he’s got a huge group of players in a penalty area, when the VAR sees this, of course, they have to get involved.”

Acknowledging that holding penalties have been missed this season, Webb said: “Not like this, though, where the goalkeeper’s arms are being interfered with. This is different, and this is why this one is a clear offence and a good use of VAR.”