Howard Webb: Decision to disallow West Ham goal v Arsenal ‘categorically’ right

“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."

West Ham are understood to have contacted referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to raise their concerns and seek explanations regarding the incident against Arsenal on Sunday. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Referees’ chief Howard Webb said the decision to disallow what would have been a crucial West Ham equaliser against Arsenal last Sunday was “categorically” correct and called it “a good use of VAR”.

Callum Wilson struck in injury time following a corner and the goal was given on field by referee Chris Kavanagh. However, VAR Darren England recommended Kavanagh review it after spotting a foul by Pablo Felipe on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya and Kavanagh changed his mind after studying the replays.