Premier League Clarifies VAR Decision After Controversy in West Ham vs Manchester United Clash
The Premier League has addressed growing debate and confusion surrounding a key VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decision during the recent London Stadium clash between West Ham United and Manchester United, issuing an official statement to explain the controversial call that had significant implications for the match result and broader discussions about officiating standards this season. (West Ham Zone)
The fixture — which ended 1-1 after a dramatic late equaliser — became the focal point of scrutiny because of a tight offside decision that saw a Manchester United goal ruled out following a prolonged VAR review. (West Ham Zone)
What Happened in the Match
In a tense Premier League encounter played on 10 February 2026, West Ham initially went ahead through Tomáš Souček after the break, giving the hosts the lead and thrusting them temporarily out of the relegation zone. Manchester United pressed for an equaliser and thought they had found one through Casemiro, only for VAR to intervene. (West Ham Zone)
After several minutes of review, officials ruled that Casemiro was in an offside position in the buildup to his goal — a decision that was later explained publicly by the Premier League. (West Ham Zone)
The Premier League Statement
The official comment was posted through the Premier League Match Centre account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). It stated:
“VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Casemiro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal be disallowed.” (West Ham Zone)
This clarification aimed to underline that the decision was not arbitrary, but the result of a standard VAR protocol — where a marginal offside position in the attacking move led to the on-field goal being overturned following consultation. (West Ham Zone)
Reaction and Context
Even though the goal was ruled out, Manchester United went on to earn a point thanks to a stoppage-time strike from substitute Benjamin Šeško, who found the net deep into injury time to salvage a 1-1 draw. (Reuters)
Despite the late heroics, the VAR controversy has sparked fresh debate among fans, pundits and analysts about the consistency and interpretation of offside calls — particularly when decisions are made on very tight measurements. Much of the discussion has revolved around how marginal decisions are communicated and perceived by viewers and participants alike.
This incident follows a broader pattern of contentious VAR moments that have drawn criticism in previous matches, including a notable controversial penalty decision in a 2024 West Ham vs Manchester United game that prompted Premier League explanations and frustrated responses from the United camp. (GB News)
Broader Impact on the League
The league’s clarification appears aimed at reducing uncertainty and reinforcing transparency over how VAR protocols are applied. As VAR remains a hot-button issue across English football, the Premier League’s willingness to publicly explain its decisions signals an ongoing effort to balance technological support with human judgment — even when outcomes divide opinion.
For West Ham, the point earned maintained a small boost in their battle against relegation, while Manchester United preserved their spot among the league’s top teams and avoided a loss that might have dented confidence under interim management. (Reuters)
Overall, the Premier League’s statement underscores both the complexity of VAR interventions and the organisation’s recognition of the importance of clear communication in managing the league’s officiating controversies moving forward. (West Ham Zone)
