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West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek has criticised the Premier League’s officiating, claiming the game is becoming “like basketball” after his side lost a crucial match to Nottingham Forest following a controversial late penalty.
The Hammers were beaten 2–1 after Forest were awarded an 89th-minute penalty, converted by Morgan Gibbs-White, following a VAR review.
Controversial VAR Decision
The incident occurred when West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola collided with Gibbs-White while attempting to reach a cross. Although Soucek had already headed the ball clear, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened and recommended a review.
On-field referee Tony Harrington, who had initially waved play on, later announced to the London Stadium crowd:
“After review, the goalkeeper fouls Nottingham Forest number 10. My final decision is penalty kick.”
Soucek: ‘We Could Have 20 Penalties Per Game’
Soucek did not hide his frustration, questioning the consistency of officiating and comparing football to a non-contact sport.
“For me, it is a joke,” Soucek told Sky Sports.
“I just saw it again and I think we can have 20 penalties per game if it is like that.
“I came to the Premier League because I thought it was the toughest league in the world. We are fighters and warriors.
But this looks more like basketball when you can’t touch the player.”
The Czech midfielder added that confusion reigned in the dressing room after the decision.
“Alphonse didn’t even know who was fouled. He came for the ball, I think I cleared it and it was already out.
We didn’t understand why VAR was involved and then the penalty came. It was tough for all of us.”
Nuno: ‘It Should Not Be Given’
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo, a former goalkeeper himself, also expressed his disagreement with the ruling.
“You cannot stop your movement as a goalkeeper,” Nuno said.
“You go for the ball – it has a trajectory and a line.
“How many times do you see this happen and nothing is given?
Not in my days and not today. It should not be given.
“But we have the referee, VAR, and we have to accept it. For me, it is not a penalty.”
Earlier in the match, West Ham had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR while leading 1–0, compounding their frustration.
Troubling Run Continues
The defeat leaves West Ham winless in their last 10 Premier League matches, increasing pressure as they battle to avoid relegation.
Despite the poor run, Nuno insisted his team must remain focused:
“We have to keep believing,” he said, with 17 league games remaining in the season.
Analysis: Why Goalkeepers Are Under Scrutiny
By Dale Johnson, Football Issues Correspondent
When assessing goalkeeper challenges, the current thinking is clear:
- If the goalkeeper gets a touch on the ball, officials are more likely to show leniency, even if there is incidental contact.
- If the goalkeeper misses the ball entirely and makes significant contact with an opponent, a penalty is likely.
Goalkeepers have been given less margin for error since the start of the 2023–24 season, following a high-profile VAR mistake when Manchester United’s Andre Onana collided with Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic without touching the ball. The VAR failed to intervene, and the officials involved were later stood down.
Subsequently, when Onana made a similar challenge against Burnley, VAR stepped in and a penalty was awarded — a sign of stricter enforcement that continues to influence decisions today.
