PREMIER LEAGUE
Why Was West Ham Goal Disallowed? Full VAR Breakdown & Latest Updates
West Ham thought they had a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer against Arsenal — until a four-minute VAR review overturned the goal for a foul on David Raya
May 11, 2026 at 6:03:49 PM
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
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In one of the most dramatic and controversial moments of the 2025-26 Premier League season, West Ham United were denied a 95th-minute equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Callum Wilson thought he had scored a last-gasp leveller at the London Stadium, but after a marathon VAR review lasting over four minutes, referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the decision. Arsenal held on for a vital 1-0 win (Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal proving decisive), keeping their title hopes alive. Here’s exactly why the goal was disallowed, based on official statements, referee analysis, and the latest developments as of May 11.
What Happened in the Build-Up
The sequence: Deep into stoppage time (95th minute), West Ham won a corner. In a chaotic, crowded six-yard box melee, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya attempted to claim or punch the delivery but was impeded.
The foul: West Ham player Pablo (No. 19 – referred to in reports as Pablo Felipe or Fornals) made contact with Raya, stretching an arm across the goalkeeper’s face/neck area and appearing to grasp or hold his arm while Raya was trying to deal with the ball. The initial corner delivery was pushed away, the ball eventually fell to Wilson, who fired it home past Declan Rice on the line.
On-field call: Referee Chris Kavanagh initially awarded the goal, sparking wild celebrations from West Ham players and fans.
VAR official Darren England then intervened, recommending a review specifically for a potential foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up. Kavanagh was sent to the pitchside monitor, where he reviewed multiple angles (reportedly 17 replays). He ultimately changed his decision, ruling it a foul by Pablo on Raya and awarding a direct free-kick to Arsenal.
Official Explanation from the Premier League
The Premier League’s Match Centre issued a clear statement shortly after the match:
“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United. Referee announcement: ‘After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick.’”
The key point: Under Premier League (and IFAB) laws, any challenge that impedes the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball from a set-piece – especially involving holding, pushing, or obstructing – is a foul. Referees and VAR are instructed to protect keepers in these situations, and shirt-pulls or arm-across-body contact are often deemed clear and obvious.
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