Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 30 April 2026 16:00, UK

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Nuno Espirito Santo will not be happy to see Craig Pawson confirmed as the referee to take charge of West Ham United’s trip to Brentford on Saturday.

The Hammers boss has had previous with the official, targeting him with an outburst in 2024 following a controversial day at Brighton when Nottingham Forest were beaten.

West Ham could have a massive opportunity to pull away from Tottenham this weekend, with their relegation rivals set to travel to high-flying Aston Villa.

Brentford will not be easy opponents, but Keith Andrews’ side are without a win in any of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

West Ham’s form has improved once again in their fight for safety, with last week’s late winner over Everton proving crucial.

Nuno Espirito Santo lambasted Craig Pawson

West Ham are predicted to stay in the Premier League this season, but each and every remaining match will be absolutely crucial.

Tottenham’s win over Wolves was their first of the year in the league, and Roberto De Zerbi’s side are expected to fight with everything they have left.

Nuno will understand how tight the margins are, and for that reason, he will be frustrated to see Pawson in charge of Saturday’s game.

Back in 2024, the Portuguese manager’s Nottingham Forest side were beaten 1-0 at Brighton after Andrew Omobamidele scored an own goal.

But it was a moment as the visitors sought an equaliser that left Nuno seething with rage at both referee Michael Salisbury and VAR Pawson.

Jakub Moder lunged in on Neco Williams, getting there late and driving his studs into the ankle of the defender in a slide tackle that saw his studs raised and his leg off the floor.

Salisbury initially produced a yellow card, and despite a lengthy check, Pawson inexplicably confirmed the decision.

Asked about the decision, Nuno said: “It is a red card. It is a serious mistake. We do not know how the game would end, but in football, having an extra player on the pitch makes a big, big difference.

“We were on top in the game, we were dominant, we were creating problems for Brighton. It was a bad, bad decision from VAR. I do not judge only the referee. But I have seen the images. It is a clear red card.

“It is week after week. Week after week, they apologise to us. But it does not mean anything to us. We are in a tough position and we need respect.”

West Ham’s record when officiated by Pawson

When Pawson is on the pitch, West Ham have a strong recent record. Although he was the referee as they lost the FA Cup quarter-final on penalties, the Irons won the previous five consecutive occasions before that.

Overall, the Hammers’ record while refereed by the 47-year-old is more hit and miss.

Of 28 games in total, West Ham have won 12 of them, lost eight and drawn eight, receiving two red cards and two penalties.

Only one of them was played under the management of Nuno, however, and there is no denying that the pair have history.