RateTheRef

Another very impressive performance from Jarred. I love his style, let’s the game flow and stays out of the limelight. Gets better and better every time I see him. A truly exceptional referee.

My only quibble with him was his time keeping. West Ham spent the entire second half time wasting, numerous delays waiting for free kicks, goal kicks etc to be taken, Jarred pointing to his watch to let the crowd know he was aware……but then only played 4 mins injury time. Fulham could still be playing now and wouldn’t have scored, but it really is something that needs to be looked at for next season

Now the West Ham goal. Firstly let me say no blame attached to Jarred here. But what is Richard West doing if he can’t see Soufal handle the ball twice, quite blatantly, with either hand, right in front of him. It’s how he gets past Robinson who’s marking him, he literally pushes the ball past him. And what is the VAR doing? A deliberate handball has led to a goal. It’s beyond ridiculous.
With what happened in the other games yesterday, it’s yet another debacle of a day for VAR. No more excuses about needing time to sort it out, Webb needs to get a firm grip on it, and do it fast. Currently it’s beyond frustrating, these guys are highly paid professionals, but sadly, some seem to be lacking the tools required to do the job to even an adequate standard.

Apologies takethejag, I think I must have been writing my post when you posted, I didn’t see your one or I would’ve responded directly rather than starting a new thread

There's absolutely no way Richard West can see the handling unless he has developed x-ray vision as Coufal's body was in the way, certainly when it hits his left hand anyway.

I don't think VAR could get involved as the handling offence was subjective.  Had Coufal immediately score a goal then yes, VAR could and would intervene, but he doesn't.  There's a potential argument to say his arms were in a normal position for the footballing action he was taking and therefore deemed as accidental handling.  I'd certainly lean more to the side of handball, but it is a push to say it was a clear and obvious error to not penalise.