In the latest edition of Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher provided his expert analysis on the controversial decision to rule out West Ham’s late equaliser against Arsenal. The goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that a West Ham player had committed a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the buildup.
Gallagher explained the rationale behind the call, noting that the challenge on Raya prevented him from making a play on the ball, which is typically considered a clear infringement under current laws. He also touched on other key incidents from the weekend’s matches, offering insight into how referees and VAR officials approach similar situations.
The decision sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the consistency of VAR interventions. Gallagher’s breakdown aimed to clarify the logic applied by the officials on the day.
