West Ham players were bemused when Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was not penalised for handling the ball in the box during Sunday's game at the London Stadium.
Lindelof appeared to control the ball with his right hand and arm on the stroke of half-time, with the score 1-0 to the Hammers. West Ham players appealed to referee Peter Bankes, but the incident was not even reviewed by VAR official Stuart Attwell.
The bizarre decision is the latest refereeing blunder in the Premier League this season. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb has already apologised to a number of clubs since he was appointed to his current role last August.
The referee's failure to award a penalty has left many pundits amazed. Gary Lineker tweeted: "Clearly a handball by Lindelof. Remarkable that VAR didn't intervene."
John Aldridge agreed with the Match of the Day presenter. The Liverpool legend tweeted: "Look at that decision that didn't get a penalty just now for West Ham to put the game away. Unbelievable, the biggest handball all season. Ridiculous no VAR."
Former West Ham forward Carlton Cole believes it was "handball all day" and claims his former employers have been "robbed".
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Cole then asked: "Honestly what is going on at Stockley Park? It's clear as day, he moves his arm towards the ball. We can't keep on protecting the use of VAR when such blatant 'mistakes' are being made. What is going on?"
BT Sport pundits Peter Crouch, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole all thought Bankes should have awarded a penalty. Even former referee Peter Walton couldn't believe the decision.
Joe Cole told BT Sport: "Without a doubt. [Said] Benrahma hits it and he’s moved his arm towards the ball. I don’t understand for the life of me why VAR hasn’t given it. It doesn’t make sense. If you’re David Moyes, you’re furious, it’s a nailed-on penalty."
Former West Ham defender Scott Minto was also left flabbergasted by the incident. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I tell you what, he [Lindelof] has leaned into that. The only way he can say it wasn’t a penalty was that his arm was close to his side but I’m sorry he’s leant into that and therefore it’s hit his arm. That was a penalty."
Minto's talkSPORT colleague Sam Matterface added: "There should be a handball. He moves his arms towards the ball. The game has been stopped for half time but I think that was a penalty."
That being said, BT Sport co-commentator Jermaine Jenas thought Bankes made the right call. He said: "His arm is right up close to his body. I don't think that's a penalty, personally."
