The Controversial Penalty Decision: How VAR Awarded West Ham vs Man Utd

Manchester United fans were outraged as VAR stepped in to give West Ham a crucial late penalty in Sunday's contentious Premier League match, leaving them furious.

After missing a series of gilt-edged chances, particularly in the first half, United looked likely to pay for their profligacy when Crysencio Summerville prodded the hosts into a 78th minute lead.

To their credit, Erik ten Hag’s side, who had been in Europa League action on Thursday night, rallied and looked to have salvaged a point when Casemiro headed United back on terms with nine minutes remaining.

It was not to be, however, as the Red Devils slumped to another defeat, albeit in hugely contentious circumstances.

Referee David Coote initially saw little wrong with De Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings but after he was ordered to take a second look by Michael Oliver the match official reversed his decision.

Jarrod Bowen stepped up, kept his composure and beat Andre Onana from the spot to seal a much needed win for the Hammers who have made an underwhelming start to life under Julen Lopetegui.

United, meanwhile were left baffled by the decision of officiating team and were left none the wiser by the explanation offered by the Premier League Match Centre account on X.

‘The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings,’ read the message.

‘The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.

‘The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.’

Asked about the incident after the game, a frustrated Erik ten Hag said:  ‘It was so difficult to see. Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes. That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on field referee.

‘More frustrations but I can do nothing with that. They don’t collect points and that’s what we have to do. We have to look in the mirror, we don’t score in a good game from our side. Create loads of chances and concede none but when you lose in this way it’s a bad feeling.’

‘I spoke with them,’ he added when asked if he had spoken to the officials. ‘But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football. That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.