Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that West Ham lodged a complaint to The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after their stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal last weekend was controversially disallowed.
Callum Wilson’s 95th-minute leveller at the London Stadium was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review for a foul by Hammers forward Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
That call had huge ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table, with Arsenal earning a precious three points in their hunt for the title thanks to Leandro Trossard’s effort, while West Ham were prevented from putting pressure on rivals Tottenham in their bid to stave off relegation.
West Ham subsequently contacted PGMOL this week to raise concerns and ask for further explanation regarding the decision.
When asked about that ahead of his side’s trip to Newcastle on Sunday evening, Nuno confirmed the club had indeed made a complaint and bemoaned the lack of consistency from referees.
“I think we did a complaint. I think it was normal that we did it, to try to find some answers to some questions that create a lot of doubts,” the West Ham boss said in his pre-match press conference.
“What I tell you about, and we're going to speak about referees, VAR, is consistency. It's needed. It helps the game, it helps the Premier League. It helps most and foremost the players.
“They (the players) have to realise, they have to understand, so there are no doubts, no frustrations.”
Pressed further on the subject, Nuno appeared to question whether VAR was helping referees make more informed decisions or just adding to the confusion.
“VAR was supposed to help the referees. Is it helping? Is it creating more questions?” he continued.
“I believe that they can do better because a VAR referee has time. The mission of the referee, of the VAR, is to get implicated when it's obvious.
“In this case, we took five minutes. So there were doubts. So that was not obvious.”
Following Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at home to Leeds on Monday night, West Ham find themselves two points from safety with two games to play.
The Hammers have to start putting wins on the board if they are to stay up, and Nuno says he hopes the increased pressure does not change the way his team plays at St James’ Park.
“The importance of the points are the same,” he said. “The situation is decisive.
“That will change the approach of the players. I hope not. I hope they stay focused, doing their tasks.
“Try to ignore what's coming around. Try to ignore the ifs and the anxiety of different scenarios. Focus on what you have.”
