Overview
- On Tuesday, Match Officials Mic'd Up aired the full VAR audio from West Ham's stoppage‑time goal against Arsenal as Howard Webb called the contact on David Raya a categorically clear foul.
- VAR Darren England recommended an on‑field review, and referee Chris Kavanagh then ruled West Ham forward Pablo had fouled the goalkeeper and awarded a direct free-kick.
- The review took four minutes and 17 seconds and used 17 replays, with officials also checking possible fouls by Leandro Trossard on Pablo and Declan Rice on Konstantinos Mavropanos before focusing on the keeper contact.
- The ruling preserved Arsenal’s 1-0 win and a five-point lead at the top with two games to play, and West Ham said they had contacted the referees’ body to question the call.
- Webb said PGMOL will consult after the season and stay vigilant on set‑piece grappling, which has intensified since 2024 guidance kept a high threshold for VAR while clamping down on arm interference with goalkeepers.