“unfair and unjust” Erik Ten Hag Outburst unbiased VAR decision saying the HAMMERS were favored.
Erik ten Hag expressed frustration with the officials after a controversial stoppage-time penalty led to Manchester United’s 2-1 loss at West Ham. The Dutch coach called the decision to penalize Matthijs de Ligt for a challenge on Danny Ings “unfair and unjust.”
Crysencio Summerville had given West Ham the lead with 15 minutes remaining, only for Casemiro to equalize seven minutes later. However, VAR’s intervention on the late penalty, converted by Jarrod Bowen, left Ten Hag irate. “It was unfair and unjust,” he told BBC Sport. “Before the season, VAR was supposed to only intervene in clear and obvious errors, and this was not one.”
Ten Hag added that he spoke to the officials but could do nothing to reverse the decision, calling it the third time this season he’s felt a decision had a major impact on United’s standing. He also referenced Bruno Fernandes’ red card in the 3-0 loss to Tottenham, which was later rescinded, saying he refuses to acknowledge that match due to what he felt was an unfair dismissal.
Aside from officiating frustrations, Ten Hag was also disappointed in United’s lack of finishing, as they generated a 1.48 xG in the first half without scoring. Diogo Dalot missed a clear chance in the 32nd minute after rounding Lukasz Fabianski. “We have to score; we created so many chances,” Ten Hag stated. “When we’re losing 1-0, we need to show resilience and personality.”
The Premier League later clarified the decision, stating that VAR deemed there was enough contact on Ings’ lower leg for an on-field review, leading to the penalty awarded against United.