West Ham United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Bristol City on Tuesday night and finished with ten men as David Moyes cited the lack of VAR as a major frustration
After West Ham United lost to Bristol City in the FA Cup, David Moyes bemoaned the fact that VAR was not allowed in all FA Cup matches.
The Hammers were unable to complete the job at Ashton Gate as the Championship team secured a thrilling victory. They were held to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Said Benrahma was sent off after Tommy Conway’s goal in the third minute proved to be the winner.
After kicking out at Joe Williams in response to being fouled, the West Ham forward was sent off in the second half. It’s probably fortunate for the Bristol City midfielder that he was not sent off as well. Williams was fortunate to escape a red card for a challenge on Danny Ings, but VAR wasn’t the referee’s backup plan.
“It’s amazing that they call it the best cup competition in the world, but we have one week where we have VAR and the next we don’t,” Moyes stated after the game. It seems rather absurd to me. Not all clubs are on an equal footing. We shouldn’t even have VAR in the competition if it’s not available. If it’s happening, make sure it’s everywhere.”
The Hammers manager acknowledges that he didn’t object to Benrahma’s red card, but if Williams’ challenges had been looked into, Bristol City might have also been reduced to 10 players.
Due to licencing regulations, only Premier League venues—regardless of a stadium’s infrastructure or history as a top flight stadium—are permitted to use VAR in the FA Cup.
Although the FA has previously stated that “video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be used wherever possible,” that has drawn criticism. However, because of the necessary infrastructure, labour, and financial resources, VAR is currently only authorised for use in Premier League stadiums.
Despite being one of four players to alter from the starting lineup, Aaron Cresswell acknowledged that the Hammers were not good enough. “We’re all gutted we’re out; we wanted to go as far as possible in the FA Cup, as we do in every competition we play in,” he stated.
“We’re going to return to the training area and try our best to be prepared for Sunday at this point. We are back in the Premier League for another crucial match, and maybe we can win it.
This weekend’s matchup between Sheffield United and West Ham, who are now sixth in the Premier League, promises to be exciting.
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