Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has shared his view on the penalty awarded to Manchester United against West Ham.
Paul Pogba opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Robert Snodgrass was judged to have fouled Juan Mata just inside the area, with the goal coming after the Hammers controversially saw a goal disallowed for offside.
On first viewing the challenge appeared to be a foul but replays suggested a different story, as there was minimal contact between the two players and the West Ham man won the ball.
As such, Walton explained why the decision was incorrect but admitted it was difficult for referee Graham Scott to make the call.
“I think what has happened there is as the ball has come through, the referee has a great view of the incident, he feels as though Snodgrass has come through the back of Mata and bundled him over. Quite confidently he has awarded the penalty kick.
“It looks as though he has gone straight through the back of him but if you look at it from a side view, it’s just shoulder to shoulder. Snodgrass has showed a bit more aggression in trying to win the ball and Mata has gone over. In my opinion, I don’t think a penalty should have been given.”
The introduction of Video Assistant Referees next season are expected to make things easier for officials but Walton admitted he does not believe the technology would be consulted.
He added: “I don’t think VAR would have looked at it because it was a subjective call.”
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