Robbie Savage claimed that West Ham attacker Javier Hernandez was in the wrong to use his hand to score against Fulham on Friday.
The outspoken pundit revealed that it was wrong that the goal stood, and VAR would have ruled it out, but added Hernandez was never going to admit to using his hand to score in the 3-1 victory over Fulham.
Savage shared his opinion after a Fulham fan called Callum rang into BBC Radio 5 Live to question the integrity of the game and said that Hernandez should be banned for the incident.
“If VAR would have in the Premier League now that goal would have been ruled out wouldn’t it? That goal will be ruled out next season,” said Savage on BBC 606 (Radio 5 Live, February 23rd 18:55).
“I don’t think you’re going to get any player..Robbie Fowler I remember went over to the referee against Arsenal and admitted he dived, then obviously referee stuck by the decision and they scored from I think the rebound of the penalty, so I don’t think y’all get any player admit to it.
“I agree with you Callum that it was a massive turning point in the game, but Hernandez isn’t going to put his hands up and say he handball it is he?
“If it was me and we scored to 1-1 and it was me who handball it, if I put my arm up at half-time the rest of my teammates will absolute hammer me, my manager would hammer me, my own fans will say what on earth are you doing?
“If I was Hernandez would I care about Fulham? No. I wouldn’t care, I care about my teammates, but it is wrong.”
OPINION
Hernandez definitely appeared to score with his hand and turned the game completely in favour of the Hammers. Fulham went 1-0 up through Ryan Babel in their clash with West Ham but were pegged back shortly after by Hernandez using his hand to score. This goal competently shattered Fulham’s confidence and Manuel Pellegrini’s side took full advantage of the situation in order to storm out 3-1 winners. While the Hammers did up their game to brush Fulham aside, they did capitalise on scoring a goal that never should have stood. It’s understandable why a Fulham fan would want Hernandez banned but it would be harsh to say the least. The attacker did lay on the floor off scoring and seemed to be shocked that the goal stood. While he didn’t instantly confess to using his hand, it did seem like an accident on his part to some degree. Hernandez did try to get his head on the ball instead of his hand but that just didn’t end up being the case.