By Mustapha Habeeb
October 28th, 2024
A former English Premier League referee has expressed his dismay at the penalty awarded to West Ham against Manchester United, stating that it was a “game-changing decision” that cost United the match.
“I am amazed referee David Coote overturned his decision a penalty should not have been awarded. It was nothing more than a coming together and resulted in a game-changing decision that cost Manchester United. Danny Ings lost the ball and then Matthijs de Ligt made minimal contact with the West Ham striker’s shin.
“The Premier League’s Match Centre said Man Utd defender De Ligt made “sufficient contact” on Ings to merit a penalty. But it is a contact sport, this should never be enough for a foul. Coote had a great view and he was initially spot on not to award a penalty. Referees’ chief Howard Webb does not want VAR intervening with subjective calls that are not clear and obvious.
“This was a classic case of that the incident was re-refereed. VAR Michael Oliver recommended a pitch-side review, then Coote crumbled and changed his decision, like so many other referees do in that situation. Something is not right with the training and education at the PGMOL.”
The Premier League released a statement on the decision after the match, which read:
“The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings.
“The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.”