Jump directly to the content

I AM amazed referee David Coote overturned his decision — a penalty should not have been awarded.

It was nothing more than a coming together and resulted in a game-changing decision that cost Manchester United.

a soccer player with the number 26 on his jersey
4
West Ham were awarded a penalty when Matthijs de Ligt collided with Danny IngsCredit: Alamy
a referee stands in front of a sign that says var
4
Referee David Coote was sent to the monitor and ended up giving the spot kickCredit: Alamy
a referee wearing a nike shirt is running on the field
4
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey is stunned the penalty was awardedCredit: AFP

Match Stats

Danny Ings lost the ball and then Matthijs de Ligt made minimal contact with the West Ham striker’s shin.

The Premier League’s Match Centre said Man Utd defender De Ligt made “sufficient contact” on Ings to merit a penalty.

But it is a contact sport — this should never be enough for a foul.

Coote had a great view and he was initially spot on not to award a penalty.

READ MORE ON MAN UTD

Referees’ chief Howard Webb does not want VAR intervening with subjective calls that are not clear and obvious.

This was a classic case of that — the incident was re-refereed.

VAR Michael Oliver recommended a pitch-side review, then Coote crumbled and changed his decision, like so many other referees do in that situation.

Something is not right with the training and education at the PGMOL.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

a man in a snapdragon shirt talks to a referee
4
De Ligt appeared to be suggesting the ball struck Ings' handCredit: Getty

Premier League statement

The Premier League released a statement on the decision after the match.

It read: "The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings.

Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to 'bring this look back'

"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."

Topics