Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has claimed that the linesman at the London Stadium on Saturday evening should have seen the ball go out of play in the build-up to Manchester United’s equaliser against West Ham United this weekend.
During the latest round of Premier League fixtures, David Moyes’ Hammers fell to a 3-1 defeat against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils at the London Stadium (per BBC).
In the first half, the Irons took the lead through a Tomas Soucek goal, however, Paul Pogba equalised for United before goals from Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford sealed all three points for the away side.
Pogba’s equaliser was steeped in controversy, though, as the ball appeared to have gone out of play in the build-up to the goal.
Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Halsey said: “Listen, you could see, couldn’t you? You could see it go over David Moyes’ head, you could see it go over Ole’s head, out of play.
“Now, it was interesting, because watching Match of the Day that evening, they came up with the angles to show that that ball was clearly out of play – why have they not got that in the VAR room?
“Listen, it was difficult at the time, I think the assistant referee on that side should have seen it because if you look at it, when the ball was kicked, he’s trying to get in line with the second-most rear defender – he’s not looking up.
“The players all stopped, and the managers, David Moyes has put his arms up saying it’s gone out of play and I think everybody was amazed that it wasn’t given out of play.”
Do you think the linesman should have spotted the ball go out of play?
No, wasn't his fault
Yes, it was his fault
Following the full-time whistle, West Ham’s manager aired his grievances over the decision of the officials when speaking to the BBC.
The former Manchester United gaffer claimed that Pogba’s goal “seemed to floor” the Hammers and the decision to not chalk the equaliser off “changed the game”.
Halsey went on to say: “It’s a difficult one on that situation but yeah, I think it should have been picked up by the assistant. He should have been looking at that.”
The defeat for the Irons leaves the east London club on 17 points in the top flight, with Manchester United having jumped above them in the table following the match at the London Stadium (per BBC).