English Referee Chief Rules: Clear Foul on David Raya

Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has affirmed that the organization will maintain vigilance regarding "impacting" grappling during set-pieces, following a "clear and obvious" foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. On Sunday, West Ham had a 95th-minute equalizer disallowed when referee Chris Kavanagh overturned Callum Wilson's goal after VAR assistant Darren England recommended a review of the contentious incident. According to Webb, there was indeed an obvious foul against the league leaders' goalkeeper, and thus, the decision to disallow the goal was correct.

The decision was hailed by Gary Neville as the most significant in Premier League VAR history. Meanwhile, West Ham announced they would contact PGMOL to express concerns that the referee's initial decision to award the goal was not a "clear and obvious error," given that four minutes and 17 seconds elapsed between the ball crossing the goal line and the foul being called.

Referees were instructed to be stricter on grappling during set-pieces this season, and Webb promised this would remain a focus.

Speaking on "Match Officials Mic'd Up," Webb commented: "We will certainly continue to consult with stakeholders about the type of game they want to see, because we are noticing greater involvement from set-piece coaches who are gathering players in these areas in search of minimal advantages."

"We will continue consultations, but we definitely need to be vigilant. We need to identify the clear actions that have an impact," he added.

"We've done better this year. We've awarded twice as many penalties for holding compared to last year, but we've also missed some. We've missed some holding situations. Not like this one, however, where the goalkeeper's hands are impeded. That's different, and that's why the foul here is clear."

Two minutes and 35 seconds passed between Wilson's goal and Kavanagh being sent to the monitor, where he watched 17 replays before disallowing the goal. When the ball crossed the line, assistant referee Ian Hussin stated: "I don't see any foul on the goalkeeper."

VAR also had to consider potential fouls by Arsenal players Leandro Trossard on Pablo and Declan Rice on Konstantinos Mavropanos during the corner kick.

"I don't like that Trossard isn't facing the ball," said VAR assistant Akil Howson, analyzing the incident in real-time. "I agree that [Pablo's contact with Raya] is impactful, there's just a lot of other stuff going on. If we say that's a foul, then what about Trossard's actions against the same player? What about Declan Rice at the back?"

England responded: "In my opinion, we need to send him (Kavanagh) for an on-field review to look at the possible foul on the goalkeeper. And then have him look at the other incidents as well. I think that's the best decision."

When Kavanagh was at the pitchside monitor, the referee said: "I see the clear hold on him (Raya)."

Then, regarding Trossard's potential foul, he added: "I don't think there's anything serious there, I agree with that. That's nothing."

Rice's challenge on Mavropanos was also pointed out by England. "But the foul on the goalkeeper happens before that," he said, and Kavanagh agreed.

Webb commented: "The most significant contact, without a doubt, is the one against the goalkeeper."

"He's preventing him from doing something quite routine – catching the ball, hands are around his neck, on his arm. He can't raise his arms, and we've said we will penalize that."

"And we have been consistent in this particular aspect. We're not just talking about contact between players. That's why this case stands out very clearly and happens early in the attack's development."

"There's also nothing else happening much before that which stands out. When you look at the situation, it's clearly the clear and obvious foul that needs to be sanctioned."

Webb believes VAR should have intervened and took its time due to the other potential fouls.

"Is there a foul on the goalkeeper? Absolutely yes," Webb stated. "Throughout the season, including in pre-season briefings with players, we have said that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent who grabs or holds his arms, thereby preventing him from doing his job, a foul will be awarded."

"We're not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, but a specific type of contact where the goalkeeper's hands are impeded, preventing him from doing his job."

"So, when you see the best angle of this situation, you will see that this is exactly what is happening from Pablo. On the video, it is clear and obvious, and it happens early. And although it is not clear and obvious to the referee, because there is a large group of players in the penalty area in front of him and it is difficult to see, when VAR sees this, of course, it must intervene."

"But what we also hear is how VAR reviews everything else because it wants to make sure that this is the only clear and undisputed foul that requires intervention."

"[It's] truly impactful. Raya cannot do what he would normally do in such a situation – simply catch the ball or punch it away. They intervene and reach the correct decision."

Webb added: "Good use of VAR. It took some time. We need to take the necessary time to make the right decision. In this extremely important situation, we succeeded."