Peter Schmeichel calls out Arsenal VAR decision, saying it’s ‘crazy’ and ‘wrong in many ways’
Peter Schmeichel wasn’t happy with how the referees handled the Arsenal vs West Ham game, saying their inconsistent decisions helped Arsenal get a controversial win in the Premier League.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, took a big step closer to the title after their 1-0 win at London Stadium on Sunday. Leandro Trossard scored the only goal, but the match almost changed when Callum Wilson’s late equalizer for West Ham was ruled out after a long VAR review.
Wilson looked like he’d saved a crucial point for West Ham, but the goal was disallowed because VAR decided Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, was fouled first. This decision split fans, with many thinking similar fouls usually don’t get called, especially when it comes to Arsenal’s success from set-pieces.
Former goalkeeper Schmeichel, who played for Manchester United and Man City, was shocked by the call. He said on Viaplay, “What really makes me angry is that Arsenal wouldn’t be top of the league if that’s a free-kick. They’ve scored so many goals by blocking or holding players.”
He also pointed out how long the VAR review took, saying it made the decision even more doubtful. “It takes five minutes, and they keep starting over again and again… That kind of delay makes you question the call,” he added.
Schmeichel finished by saying, “I don’t get why suddenly that’s a free-kick when it hasn’t been for any teams all season. It’s just crazy, and this decision was wrong on so many levels.”