Peter Schmeichel launched a scathing attack on officials after Arsenal secured a controversial 1-0 win over West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, saying the league leaders would “never be the best” if such incidents were consistently ruled fouls.
Mikel Arteta’s side edged closer to the title after Leandro Trossard scored the only goal at the London Stadium. However, the game was overshadowed by a dramatic late VAR intervention which denied West Ham an equaliser.
Callum Wilson thought he had salvaged a crucial point in the Hammers’ fight for survival when he bundled the ball home late in the second half. But after a lengthy VAR review, the officials ruled that David Raya had been fouled trying to retrieve the ball, leading to the goal being disallowed.
The decision sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits, with many arguing that similar physical problems during standard games can often continue – particularly with Arsenal, who have gained a reputation for their aggressive blocking from corners and free-kicks.
Former Manchester United and Manchester City goalkeeper Schmeichel was among the harshest critics of the challenge.
“What really angers me is that Arsenal would never have been top of the league if it had been a free-kick,” Schmeichel said on Viaplay. “That’s how they scored so many goals, blocking people, holding people, doing all kinds of things.
The Danish giants also questioned VAR’s lengthy process, claiming the extended scrutiny itself reflected uncertainty on the part of the officials.
“And then we get to this point, VAR takes five minutes, Darren England VAR takes five minutes,” he added. “It starts again and it starts again and again, which in itself puts so much doubt into that decision that it can’t be a free kick.”
Schmeichel insisted that the decision was against the standards that had been evident throughout the season.
“I think it’s so bad. I just don’t understand why it’s suddenly a free kick because it hasn’t been for any team all season,” he said. “This whole thing, it’s just crazy. And today’s decision is so wrong on so many levels.”
Despite the controversy, Arsenal held on to secure another vital three points in the title race, while West Ham were left frustrated after seeing a potentially valuable equalizer ruled out by VAR.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
May 11, 2026 1:17 PM IST
