After Callum Wilson’s disallowed equaliser against Arsenal sent West Ham closer to relegation, they are looking into whether to file an official protest with the PGMOL.
In stoppage time, VAR Darren England summoned referee Chris Kavanagh to his pitch-side monitor at the London Stadium to examine a possible foul on David Raya by Pablo.
Mikel Arteta’s team maintained their 1-0 advantage to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League when it was determined that the Arsenal custodian had been plainly and visibly obstructed.
One of the biggest VAR decisions in history, it also put West Ham one point behind their relegation rivals Tottenham, who play Leeds at home tonight.
According to insiders who spoke to Daily Mail Sport, West Ham wants to hear the VAR audio and is currently considering whether to file a complaint with the PGMOL. However, a senior source acknowledged that it would be “pointless.”
The decision to deny West Ham’s late equaliser enraged the players.
Pablo was found to have fouled David Raya prior to Callum Wilson’s goal.
It is thought that the refereeing panel, headed by Howard Webb, believes that Kavanagh and England made the right decision under duress. It took them four minutes and seventeen seconds to reach a consensus.
The fact that similar incidents went unpunished during the 2025–26 season is partly to blame for the annoyance around Raya’s foul.
For instance, Raya struck Joao Pedro with two hands while the striker was being pulled to the ground, yet Chelsea was refused a penalty away at Arsenal in March. At the Emirates Stadium, Arteta’s team prevailed 2-1.
