The Premier League have responded to a controversial incident during West Ham’s vital 2-1 win over Everton in the battle to avoid relegation.
West Ham beat Everton as Nuno seals vital Premier League win
Callum Wilson had the final say.
Coming off the bench with 15 minutes to go and a point on the cards, the veteran striker bundled home in the second minute of stoppage time to hand West Ham a 2-1 win that was absolutely pivotal from a relegation standpoint, but leaves Everton now more adrift in the chase for Europe.
The afternoon had all the hallmarks of a nervy survival six-pointer.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham had more at stake and knew it, with Nottingham Forest’s thumping win over Sunderland the previous evening piling further pressure on a side that arrived at the London Stadium just hovering above the drop zone.
Tomas Soucek, who’s been linked with a summer move to Everton, broke the deadlock just after half-time, powering home a header from Jarrod Bowen’s corner to give the hosts a lead that they desperately attempted to protect.
It almost cost them.
Everton — who arrived with European ambitions very much alive, sitting three points off the top six — grew increasingly dominant and were eventually rewarded when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck a sweetly-timed volley from James Tarkowski’s headed knockdown in the 88th minute to level.
West Ham ‘preparing transfer offer’ for Arsenal target who plays like Carlos Baleba
He could be a cheap option for Nuno in the event of relegation.
At that point, the London Stadium fell silent, given Spurs were winning at Wolves. A draw would have put West Ham in the bottom three on goal difference.
But before that equaliser, a moment of enormous controversy unfolded that has dominated some of the post-match discussion, and understandably so from Everton’s perspective.
Premier League respond after Mateus Fernandes handball controversy
In the 84th minute, a throw-in from Everton’s James Garner intended for Thierno Barry appeared to strike Mateus Fernandes squarely on the arm inside the box.
Everton players surrounded referee Stuart Attwell, certain a penalty should be given.
VAR official Michael Salisbury spent several minutes reviewing the incident before concluding no penalty would be awarded.
The Premier League subsequently confirmed the rationale via their official X account, stating that the decision not to give a penalty had been checked and confirmed by VAR, with it deemed that Fernandes had accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent.
The explanation will do little to placate Everton.
Television replays showed the arm in a raised position as the ball struck it, and the suggestion that it was accidental felt like it could be challenged.
David Moyes, returning to his former club, was animated on the touchline and his players were furious, with Tottenham supporters in particular venting their fury at the footage on social media.
West Ham were handed a lifeline and Wilson duly took it, glancing home Bowen’s delivery at the near post to send the home support into raptures.
West Ham remain 17th and still two points clear of Spurs with four games remaining.
For Everton, their European dream has taken a damaging hit.
Moyes loves him: Everton now plotting move for £200k-a-week Premier League midfielder
The Toffees are looking to sign a “simply sensational” player.
