JUST BIZZARE: Former FIFA official backlash West Ham VAR PK denial revealing the HAMMERS were totally “Let down” Amind bitter call to VAR specialist
Julen Lopetegui’s side continued their poor start to the Premier League season with a 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday (21 September), but West Ham were denied what seemed to be a clear penalty.
Summerville was pulled back in the penalty area by Wesley Fofana, yet the referee dismissed West Ham’s appeals. Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett expressed his frustration, suggesting the official was “let down” by VAR.
Posting on X on Saturday (21 September), Hackett wrote: “Henry, they’re making it up. The referee should have expected VAR intervention. Let down.” Former *Times* journalist Henry Winter responded: “Just bizarre, Keith. Time for specialist VARs?”
### Should West Ham have been awarded a penalty against Chelsea at the London Stadium?
It’s puzzling how the criteria for what constitutes a penalty seems to change from week to week in the Premier League.
Summerville was clearly pulled back as he entered Chelsea’s penalty area, and although some might argue he went down too easily, there was sufficient contact to justify a penalty. Even if the referee missed it in real-time, VAR’s purpose is to catch such fouls that the on-field officials overlook.
Regardless of whether the decision would have altered the outcome, it’s clear that something needs to change to ensure greater consistency in the Premier League. Whether it’s the introduction of specialist VAR officials, as Winter suggests, or clearer guidelines, it’s evident that improvements are needed.