West Ham's Soucek Criticizes VAR Decision in Defeat to Nottingham Forest
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek expressed his frustration with the Premier League, likening it to basketball after his team suffered a crucial defeat against Nottingham Forest. The match was marred by what Soucek called a "joke" decision to award a late penalty to their opponents.
The controversy arose when video assistant referee (VAR) intervened following a collision between Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and Morgan Gibbs-White while Areola was trying to intercept a cross.
Soucek, who had cleared the free-kick before it could reach either player, drew parallels to basketball, where minimal contact is allowed. Gibbs-White converted the resulting penalty in the 89th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory for Nottingham Forest and leaving West Ham seven points adrift of safety.
"For me, it is a joke. I just saw it again, and I think we could have 20 penalties per game if it continues like this," Soucek told Sky Sports. "I came to the Premier League because I thought it was the toughest league in the world, and we are all fighters and warriors. But this looks more like basketball, where you can't touch the player. [Areola] felt the same way; he didn't even know who was fouled. He went for the ball, I think I cleared it, and it was already out. We didn't understand why VAR was involved and why a penalty was given, so it was tough for all of us."
Initially, referee Tony Harrington did not award a penalty, but he later announced to the crowd at the London Stadium: "After review, the goalkeeper fouls Nottingham Forest number 10. My final decision is a penalty kick."
West Ham manager Nuno, whose team had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside while leading 1-0, voiced his discontent: "I was a goalkeeper, and you cannot stop your movement. You go for the ball; it has a trajectory and a line. How many times do you see this happen without a penalty given? Not in my days, and it should not be given today. That is how I see it. We have the referee, we have VAR, and we have to accept it. For me, it is not a penalty."
West Ham is now without a win in their last ten league games. However, Nuno urged his side to "keep believing" as they aim to secure their Premier League status in the remaining 17 matches of the season.