EX-PGMOL CHIEF SLAMS REFEREE’S DECISION VS WESTHAM CALLING THE ACT A DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE LEAGUE’S TRANSPARENCY

⚽ Ex-PGMOL Chief Slams Referee’s ‘Disappointing’ Paqueta CallThe decision to disallow Lucas Paqueta’s goal for West Ham United has drawn sharp criticism from former PGMOL chief, Keith Hackett, who called the controversial ruling a “disappointment to the league’s transparency.”Paqueta’s strike, which would have been a crucial moment in the match, was ultimately chalked off following a lengthy VAR review for an extremely marginal offside in the build-up. For many fans and pundits, the extended delay and the final ruling only served to reinforce concerns over the consistency and application of VAR in the Premier League.The Call That Caused UproarThe incident revolved around a preceding phase of play, with the semi-automated offside technology ultimately determining that one of the West Ham players was fractionally offside. Despite the ball ending up in the back of the net, the goal was ruled out, triggering a furious reaction from the West Ham players and coaching staff.Hackett, a long-time advocate for improved refereeing standards, was unequivocal in his assessment. He argued that the spirit of the law and the principle of benefiting the attacking team in such tight situations were disregarded. “Paqueta’s goal should have stood,” Hackett stated. “When decisions are this forensic, taking minutes to confirm an offside that is barely visible, it detracts from the spectacle.”Transparency and Trust in QuestionBeyond the immediate result, Hackett’s main concern was the impact on the Premier League’s commitment to transparency. He suggested that baffling, drawn-out decisions like this erode the confidence fans and clubs have in the officiating process.”The public expects clarity and speed. When we are waiting for over two minutes for a line to be drawn that denies a brilliant goal, it feels like VAR is looking for reasons to disallow, rather than confirming a clear and obvious error,” he remarked. Hackett’s comments put renewed pressure on the PGMOL to review their application of the technology and ensure that marginal calls do not overshadow the excitement and fairness of the game.This feeling of disappointment to the league’s transparency will linger until better communication and faster, more justifiable decisions become the norm.