The Premier League has published referee microphone audio and VAR footage from matchweek 36, shedding fresh light on one of the weekend’s most debated decisions.
Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory after Leandro Trosaard’s 83rd-minute strike, but a late Callum Wilson effort for West Ham that appeared to level the match was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially signalled a goal, but after a four-minute check requiring 17 replays the decision was overturned.
Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended the outcome on the Match Officials Mic’d Up programme, saying the lengthy process reflected officials doing their duty. Webb argued the incident was “categorically” a foul on the goalkeeper, stressing that when an opponent grabs or holds a keeper’s arm and prevents them from performing their job it must be penalised. “We’re not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we’re talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper’s arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job,” he said.
That explanation has not satisfied all observers, who point to apparent inconsistency in how similar incidents are handled week to week. Critics and some managers have suggested Arsenal’s habit of crowding the penalty area, particularly around goalkeepers, has gone unpunished on other occasions.
The VAR audio released by the league intensified debate by revealing the exchange between Kavanagh and the VAR team. The recording suggests Kavanagh was uncertain about what to examine and asked for guidance; he then appeared to focus on whether Pablo Felipe fouled David Raya, even though VAR had directed him to review additional incidents. Officials had asked him to check whether Trosaard shoved Pablo into Raya, whether Declan Rice had fouled former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos, and another occurrence involving Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the referee’s courage after the match, telling the club’s website that the episode highlighted how difficult officiating can be. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba criticised the use of VAR in England, arguing it is failing and noting that Arsenal have previously avoided sanction for similar offences.
The released material has amplified the conversation about how VAR protocols are applied and whether referees’ interpretations are being enforced consistently across the league.
