Furious Peter Schmeichel makes Arsenal hypocrisy allegations as he rages at VAR

View 2 Images

Peter Schmeichel slammed the decision to rule out a late goal in Arsenal 's narrow win over West Ham for a foul on David Raya , pointing out that the Gunners have deployed similar set-piece tactics all season.

Leandro Trossard had struck in the 83rd minute at The London Stadium to give Arsenal a priceless lead in their bid to move within touching distance of the Premier League title. However, drama ensued when Callum Wilson appeared to plunder a 95th minute equaliser for the Hammers, who are fighting to stave off relegation.

West Ham's joy was short-lived with VAR poring over replays of the incident before recommending an on-field review after Pablo was spotted holding Raya's arm as he jumped for the ball, with referee Chris Kavanagh subsequently disallowing the goal.

But Schmeichel , the legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper, pointed out that Arsenal, the most prolific team in the Premier League from set-pieces, would be nowhere near the top of the league if acts like that are deemed a foul.

“That decision today, it's just so wrong on so many levels,” the Dane told Viaplay . “What really makes me angry is that Arsenal would never be top of the league if that's a free kick.

“That's how they've scored so many goals by blocking people, holding people, doing all kind of things, and then we get to this point... it takes VAR five minutes.

“Darren England the VAR official, (it takes him) five minutes. He starts the replay over and over again. That in itself puts so much doubt into that decision. It cannot be a free kick, it cannot.”

View 2 Images

Schmeichel continued: “I think it's so wrong, I just don't understand why all of a sudden that's a free kick, because it's not been for any teams all the way throughout the season.

“All of this, it's just crazy, and that decision today is just so wrong on so many levels.”

Schmeichel was not alone in questioning VAR's intervention with West Ham captain, Jarrod Bowen , doing likewise in his post-match interview.

Mikel Arteta , however, praised the match officials for their bravery in making such a big call. He said: “A call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they've been talking about all season. So when I have to be critical, I have been. And it is a free kick and the goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances.”

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.