Monday 11 May 2026, 10:28 UK
Former referee Dermot Gallagher reviewed West Ham’s late equaliser against Arsenal after VAR ruled the goal out for a challenge on goalkeeper David Raya. Gallagher provided live analysis of the incident, explaining how the VAR process was applied and what officials look for when deciding whether contact with the goalkeeper is enough to overturn a goal.
Key points from Gallagher’s analysis:
– VAR and clear-and-obvious-error: Gallagher outlined how video officials assess whether the on-field decision should stand, focusing on whether the contact with Raya met the threshold to change the referee’s call.
– Nature of the contact: He discussed the severity and location of the challenge on Raya and how that influences the ruling — whether the goalkeeper was impeded in playing the ball or put at risk.
– On-field perspective vs. replay: Gallagher explained why replays can appear different from what the match referee saw in real time and how that affects the review outcome.
– Match impact and consistency: He reflected on the wider implications for the teams and the importance of consistent VAR standards across similar incidents.
Image caption: VAR ruled out West Ham’s late equaliser for a challenge on David Raya.
Gallagher also touched on other incidents from the game, offering context about how referees and VAR teams balance protecting players, preserving the flow of the match, and applying the laws of the game under intense scrutiny.