Pundit blasts ’embarrassing’ West Ham decision amid new twist in Jarrod Bowen ‘scandal’
Noel Whelan has blasted the “embarrassing” decision which saw West Ham denied a late equaliser against Chelsea on Saturday (3 September).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted “scandalous” VAR decisions are “costing teams” all over the Premier League.
Bowen challenged Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy which meant the ball rolled out to Cornet – who dispatched from the edge of the area to level the score at 2-2 in the closing stages at Stamford Bridge.
However, referee Andy Madley reviewed his decision at the request of VAR – and restored Chelsea’s 2-1 lead after penalising Bowen.
As quoted by club media (3 September), Irons boss David Moyes branded the incident a “scandalous decision” and accused Mendy of faking injury.
The controversy comes as the Premier League demand a review of the VAR system by the PGMOL after other incidents involving Newcastle and Liverpool.
Whelan insisted West Ham deserved something to show for their hard work during the London derby.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Embarrassing is what I’d call it. Embarrassing from the people upstairs.
“It’s costing teams. It’s all very well coming out afterwards and saying they got it wrong.
“It was just soft and scandalous. It’s halting teams’ progression in the Premier League and damaging them. West Ham worked hard in that game and deserved something to show for it.
“I’ve got every sympathy for David Moyes. It’s the wrong decision – how many times do we have to keep going on about VAR?
“They’re getting it so wrong, and it’s not helping the referees.”
In other news, medical insider claims West Ham set for “huge spike” in injuries as Moyes fumes.