Football lawmakers to discuss grappling at corners after controversial call in Arsenal vs West Ham | OneFootball

Football’s lawmakers are set to discuss grappling and holding inside the penalty area after a dramatic VAR decision involving Arsenal and West Ham United.

According to the Telegraph, the Hammers have expressed their disappointment at what they believe to be the ‘biggest VAR call in Premier League history’.

The controversy followed West Ham’s late disallowed goal against Arsenal at the London Stadium, a decision that had a major impact on both the relegation battle and the title race.

West Ham believed they had rescued a point when Callum Wilson scored deep into stoppage time.

However, the goal was eventually ruled out after VAR reviewed an incident involving striker Pablo Felipe and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

On-field referee Chris Kavanagh spent more than four minutes reviewing the footage before deciding a foul had occurred.

The lengthy review frustrated many inside the stadium and increased concerns about how grappling and holding are being judged during set-pieces.

West Ham officials were infuriated by what they considered to be another example of inconsistent officiating.

The club are now seeking a detailed explanation from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), while also hoping to hear the conversation between the referee and VAR official Darren England.

Although many former referees and analysts agreed the referees made the right call, there’s now an ongoing debate about whether football needs clearer rules around physical battles in the penalty box.

Officials have reportedly noticed that players are becoming smarter with pushing, blocking and holding during corners in ways that are difficult to spot in real time.

Earlier in the season, Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised the increasing physicality at set-pieces, saying parts of Premier League football were becoming less enjoyable to watch.

Goalkeepers have also voiced concerns. Manchester United star Senne Lammens recently explained that crowded penalty areas are making it harder for keepers to move freely during corners.

After the Arsenal match, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo said players no longer understand what is and is not allowed inside the box.

Jarrod Bowen echoed that frustration, questioning whether officials would now review every instance of holding at corners.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials for making what he described as a brave and correct decision.