Alious
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo launched a fierce criticism of the Premier League officiating crew after his side were denied victory in their draw against Brighton.
The Hammers looked set to leave the Amex Stadium with all three points after Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring, only for Georginio Rutter to fire home a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton.
Referee Simon Hooper awarded the goal on the pitch, and VAR official Tony Harrington conducted a check to see whether Rutter had handled the ball during the build-up. Replays also raised questions about a potential high boot from Charalampos Kostoulas that appeared to catch Konstantinos Mavropanos near the head.
Nuno was furious with the decision to let the goal stand.
> “It’s not something that ‘looks like’ a foul — it *is* a foul,” he insisted. “I’ve seen it clearly, everyone has seen it clearly. I genuinely don’t understand how the goal was allowed. VAR looked at it, the whole world saw it. Both incidents needed proper checking.”
He added that the decision felt especially cruel after the effort his team and supporters put into the match.
> “It’s incredibly tough to accept, honestly. The boys worked so hard, and our fans behind the goal made it feel like a home match. For one moment to undo all that… it’s painful. This league is supposed to be the best in the world — we trust that. But moments like this are difficult to swallow.”
Nuno apologised for his frustration but said his squad was devastated by the outcome.
> “The players are heartbroken. This game meant so much to us, given the situation we’re in. To head back to London with just a point is very hard to take.”
A Premier League statement later explained that VAR determined Rutter’s arm was in a natural position, that there was no deliberate handball, and that any contact with the ball was not immediately before the goal. Officials also ruled that the raised boot was not dangerous play**.
Nuno, however, remained unconvinced:
> “If Dinos (Mavropanos) had been standing upright, maybe it’s different. But there’s clear contact to his head, isn’t there?”
Alious
