Hackett Exclusive: Liverpool fans to be ‘upset’ at Ward-Prowse incident v West Ham
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse was at the centre of a handball controversy during his side’s defeat to Liverpool, and Keith Hackett has given his verdict on the offence in question.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he if he was a Reds fan “I’d be upset” over the incident.
Arne Slot’s side welcomed West Ham to Anfield on Sunday (13 April), looking to take another step towards the Premier League title.
Virgil van Dijk headed in a late winner for Liverpool to ensure they did that, just moments after his mix-up with Andy Robertson had gifted the visitors an equaliser through an own goal.
Prior to that however, the hosts felt they ought to have been awarded a penalty that would have put them firmly in control of the game.
James Ward-Prowse survives penalty check against Liverpool
Earlier this season, Ward-Prowse had joined Nottingham Forest on loan, but returned to the Hammers in January after an unsuccessful spell at The City Ground.
The 30-year-old was then named in the starting lineup by Graham Potter at Anfield, and was given a let-off midway through the second half.
As a corner from Alexis Mac Allister was sent into the West Ham area, the ball struck the hand of Ward-Prowse, with the midfielder looking in the opposite direction.
| West Ham last five games | Result |
| Newcastle (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Everton (A) | Drew 1-1 |
| Wolves (A) | Lost 1-0 |
| Bournemouth (H) | Drew 2-2 |
| Liverpool (A) | Lost 2-1 |
While Liverpool appealed for a penalty, referee Andy Madley did not give one on-field, and while VAR checked the incident, they deemed the handling to be accidental and therefore not a penalty.
Now, Hackett has explained why that view will have been taken, with the former referee backing the decision.
West Ham not penalised as VAR check assessed
After being asked by Football Insider what he made of the decision not to give a penalty to Liverpool for that handball by Ward-Prowse, Hackett said:
“It’s an interesting one because he’s got his hand out, it’s well extended and I think the reason they’ve not given it is because he’s looking away from it and not looking at the ball.
“I think what’s helped the player is yes he’s got his hands out but he’s not looking at the ball, I think that’s why they’ve said accidental.
“I think if his head was facing in the direction where the ball then they’re going to award a penalty kick 100 times out of a 100.
“So I think the head position is showing that the player is not looking to deliberately handle the ball, and the ball has struck his hand, even though it’s extended out from the body.
“So I think I support that decision. If I was a supporter, I’d be a bit upset! That’s the nuance of the law I think.”
With Liverpool going on to win the game regardless, they now need just two more victories from their remaining six games to clinch the Premier League title.
West Ham meanwhile have slipped to 17th in the table, although they are 14 points clear of the relegation zone.