Ex-Premier League official Dermot Gallagher believes that West Ham’s goal was right to stand on Monday night.
The Hammers went into the game in 17th place but moved into the top half with a 2-0 win over Bournemouth but not without controversy.
They were awarded a penalty in the closing stages for a handball after Vladimir Coufal’s cross came off of Jordan Zemura which Said Benrahma sweetly dispatched.
However, in the first period, a corner that clearly hit Thilo Kehrer’s arm (1:37) eventually came to Kurt Zouma who nodded home.
The goal stood much to the dismay of Cherries boss Gary O’Neil but Gallagher has explained why it was right to be given.
He said:
“The law set-up as it is now the three questions; did Kehrer score no, did it result in a goal from a colleague from Kehrer no and the third thing obviously on default the only way you can disallow it is, is it a deliberate handball. “Well it was thrown to Mike Dean who was the VAR, he had a look, he said it hit him but he thought it was an accidental hit so therefore the referee can’t disallow the goal.”
TIF Thoughts on Gallagher’s comments…
Will West Ham qualify for Europe this season?
Yes!
No!
There is no doubt the Irons have benefitted from a change in the laws but it could well be the tonic for an uplift in form at the London Stadium prior to the World Cup.
Although not everyone will agree Zouma’s opener was correctly given going by the rule book and it set David Moyes’ side on their way to just their fourth win of the campaign.
It’s a victory however, that lifts the club up to tenth now six points off the European positions.
With a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, the east Londoners have a real chance of getting a result against one of their fellow contenders before two very winnable games at home to Crystal Palace and Leicester.