West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has shared his verdict on one key decision that came in his side’s 2-1 win over Wolves last week.
Last week was a difficult one for Wolves, who were only able to take a point from relegation-bound Burnley, followed by suffering a painful defeat to West Ham.
Gary O’Neil’s side were left absolutely stunned against the Hammers due to another controversial VAR decision going against them, as the hosts were cruelly denied a point in stoppage time.
Max Kilman thought he had scored a 101st-minute equaliser for the Old Gold, all for the goal to be chalked out due to VAR spotting that Tawanda Chirewa was in an offside position and blocking the view of Lukasz Fabianski.
It’s not the first time that Wolves have been left speechless by the intervention of VAR this season, as you can read here.
Many had a lot to say on the denial of a crucial point for the Midlands club, however, it wasn’t the only decision in the fixture that was debatable, as Wolves’ only goal was decided through a penalty awarded by VAR.
Speaking on one of the crucial moments of the game, West Ham striker Michail Antonio voiced his opinion on the result.
Michail Antonio brands VAR intervention in West Ham v Wolves a ‘shambles’
While it would be expected that Antonio would be thrilled with his side’s win, that was far from the case, as he explained on The Players Channel podcast.
Speaking on the three points West Ham took away from Molineux and the way the game was won, the £85k-a-week Jamaican said:
“I think it’s a shambles still anyway, it’s an actual shambles. VAR is an actual shambles.”
“Even though it’s gone for me, we nicked a win, nicked it because it’s a shambles.”
“Honestly, the player is in front of Fabi, but that’s not offside mate. I don’t think it’s offside in any shape or form.”
“I don’t think it’s a penalty either against us, I’d prefer it to go back to normal.”
You have to commend the honesty from Antonio, who is clearly a footballer who just wants to be able to play the sport as decisions continue to add to the theatrics and away from the simplicity of the game.
Wolves should be angry about the VAR decision against West Ham
So many times this season, Wolves have found themselves reflecting on games with a negative narrative of VAR being the focal point.
The defeat to West Ham was just that, as for all of the hardships that O’Neil’s side have faced recently, they did what they could on the pitch to fight for a draw in a game that was well-contested.
A wild decision from VAR once again disregarded the work of Wolves, with just another loss to show for their efforts to fight until the dying embers to try and scrape a result.
For Antonio, who benefitted from the decision, to speak so powerfully against the call tells all that needs to be known about the denial of Kilman’s late goal.