Glen Johnson told Premier League Productions during their live coverage of West Ham’s defeat to Chelsea that Cesar Azpilicueta looked ‘guilty’ following a handball appeal in the first half.
The former England right-back admitted that he first thought that the Chelsea man should have been punished for handball in the penalty area before he changed his mind.
Whilst that potential handball was talk of the first half, the mood changed from the West Ham supporters during the second when they went on to lose and were reduced to ten men when Fabian Balbuena was controversially sent off.
Nonetheless, this was Johnson’s thoughts on Azpilicueta’s potential handball in the first half.
“At first view, I thought it was a penalty,” said Johnson. “It was mainly because of his reaction. He’s trying to tell you it’s not hit his arm.
“But he looks guilty. However, I don’t think it was a penalty, but certainly, on first viewing, I thought it was.”
Saturday’s defeat was a body blow to West Ham because it would have put them well in the driving seat for Champions League football had they picked up all three points or even just a point.
But with Chelsea still in Champions League action, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton still being inconsistent, it’s still all to play for the Hammers.
Added with that, the likes of Declan Rice and Michail Antonio might also return before the season ends, which might just prove to be crucial.
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