West Ham issued ‘crazy’ verdict by pundit as Craig Dawson controversy analysed
Kevin Campbell cannot believe referee Anthony Taylor did not initially award Man City a penalty after West Ham defender Craig Dawson tripped Gabriel Jesus.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said Jesus, 25, was “blatantly fouled” in what was “a stonewall penalty” in the latter stages of a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.
As shown on Sky Sports (15 May), VAR official John Brooks advised his colleague Anthony Taylor to review his initial decision on the pitch-side monitor and Taylor pointed to the spot moments later.
Riyad Mahrez’s resulting penalty was saved by West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Campbell claimed “it is crazy” that VAR was needed to award a penalty to Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Jesus made a great move in the box and is blatantly fouled,” he told Football Insider.
“The ref never even gave that one. He had to go and have a look at it which says it all.
“That was a stonewall penalty. There was no doubt.
“I don’t know what is a penalty these days. I have no idea.
“Thankfully there was VAR in this case. It shouldn’t have needed it though. The referee should have seen it and given it. It’s crazy.”
The draw at the London Stadium saw Man City miss out on the chance to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Only a win against Aston Villa would guarantee Man City the title on Sunday.
In other news, West Ham have been told to agree a big-money Jarrod Bowen deal ‘quickly’ amid ‘sensational’ verdict.