The Premier League is set to review its regulations regarding “excessive holding” inside the penalty area at the end of the current season, following a controversial decision during West Ham’s clash with Arsenal.
Howard Webb, head of the Premier League’s referees’ committee, confirmed that consultations will take place to address how such incidents should be handled. He made the announcement while explaining why the decision to disallow West Ham’s late equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday was correct.
Callum Wilson thought he had secured a point for the Hammers in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but the Video Assistant Referee intervened to rule out the goal after Pablo was judged to have fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The decision sparked widespread debate, with Arsenal winning 1-0, impacting not only the two clubs but also Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at opposite ends of the Premier League table.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised VAR official Darren England for showing “great courage” in overturning the goal, while West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo criticized what he called “a lack of consistency” from officials.
Speaking on “Match Officials Mic’d Up,” Webb stated that the foul on Raya was clear. “Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Absolutely. We have said throughout the season, including in pre-season briefings with players, that if a goalkeeper is hindered by an opponent grabbing or restraining his arms, preventing him from doing his job, they will be penalized,” he said.
“We are not just talking about contact with goalkeepers—we are talking about a specific type of contact where the arms or hands are interfered with, stopping them from performing their duties. Raya was unable to do what he normally would—simply catch the ball or punch it away—and the officials made the correct decision. When you look at the overall situation, it is a clear and obvious foul that warrants punishment.”
Audio from the incident revealed that several potential fouls were considered, including a challenge by Leandro Trossard on Pablo, but Webb supported the VAR team’s conclusion that “the most significant contact was undoubtedly on the goalkeeper.”