‘I find if very difficult to see why not’

Updated 08/03/2024 at 00:23 GMT

West Ham conceded an 81st-minute goal against Freiburg in their UEFA Europa League tie on Thursday, and it appeared that they were going to rescue a draw when Noah Weisshaupt handled the ball in the home side’s penalty area. However the referee denied those appeals after more than four minutes checking footage for a VAR review, and David Moyes said he found the decision “difficult” to digest.David Moyes

Image credit: Getty Images

David Moyes lamented a “harsh” decision not to award his West Ham side a late penalty against Freiburg in their UEFA Europa League last-16 first-leg defeat on Thursday.

Michael Gregoritsch had given the German side the lead in the 81st minute, but in stoppage time there were appeals for a penalty when the ball struck Noah Weisshaupt’s arm inside the area.

Moyes and some of his players appeared baffled by the decision, but speaking after the match, the West Ham manager tried to understand the referee’s actions.

He told TNT Sports: “I thought at the time his arm was above his head, I couldn’t see exactly how the incident had happened, but I’ve had a good look at it and I believe it’s a penalty kick.

“I believe in Europe they give all the handballs. I don’t believe it’s the right way to go but I think that’s the way UEFA work and I think because of that most times I would see that as a penalty kick.

“So I find it very difficult to see why not, and it was harsh on us. But that’s it, didn’t go for us tonight.”

Moyes was asked what the referee had told him when questioned by the Scot on the decision, and he replied: “He tried to explain it as well as he could. I couldn’t understand it exactly. I think Tomas Soucek kicks it up onto his arm. I think when you have two arms above your head now, it’s nearly always given because the arms are not in a natural position.

“I think somebody was trying to claim there was a push. If it was a push, he should have restarted the game with a free kick, and he didn’t. Technically the player who went to clear it probably made a bit of a mess of their clearance.

“That should probably be punished as well if he’s kicked it up onto his own arm. Football, sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t.”

West Ham face Freiburg in the second leg in London next Thursday.

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