Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium, with the match ending in controversy after a late penalty decision.
The drama unfolded when Matthijs De Ligt collided with Danny Ings inside the box. Initially, referee David Coote waved away West Ham’s appeals for a penalty. However, VAR official Michael Oliver advised Coote to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
After reviewing the footage, the referee reversed his original decision and awarded a penalty to West Ham. Jarrod Bowen confidently converted the spot kick past Andre Onana, sealing the win for the Hammers.
The Premier League later released a statement explaining the decision:
“The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings. The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.”
Earlier in the game, Crysencio Summerville had given West Ham the lead, before Casemiro equalised for United. But Bowen’s late penalty ensured West Ham walked away with all three points.
Manchester United’s poor form continues, with only three wins in nine Premier League matches. The defeat leaves the Red Devils 14th in the table, putting more pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
When asked if he had spoken to refereeing officials after the game, Ten Hag said:
“I spoke with them. But the decision is made. There’s no way back, and that’s football. This is the third time this season I’ve felt injustice, and it’s had a big impact on our team and where we are in the table. It’s not right.”
