Michael Owen says Thiago Alcantara shouldn’t have been punished for handball inside the penalty area during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over West Ham United on Wednesday night at the London Stadium.
As West Ham searched for a late equaliser, the ball struck Thiago Alcantara’s hand inside the penalty area when he was crouched on the ground, but on-field referee, Chris Kavanagh, waved away any complaints.
After the final whistle, ex-Everton boss, David Moyes, was fuming at that call, but Michael Owen added ‘I don’t know what he’s moaning about’ as he agreed with the decision not to award a spot-kick.
It was a big call from the officials because if that late penalty was awarded and converted, then it would have dented Liverpool’s top-four hopes and pushed the Hammers a step closer to safety.
In the end, another on-field call, which Kavanagh didn’t check via his sideline monitor, has proven to be a major talking point.
Whilst West Ham and Moyes are left annoyed, it’s something Michael Owen simply doesn’t agree with, as he told Premier League Productions (26/04/23 at 10:50 pm).
“You can see why he (Moyes) wasn’t happy,” said Owen. “But you can see his (Thiago’s) hands are in a natural position. I don’t think that’s a penalty.
On Moyes’ exchange with the officials after the game: “I don’t know what he is moaning about. It’s safe to say that (Moyes doesn’t share my opinion).”
ANOTHER WRONG CALL…
West Ham should have been awarded a penalty plain and simple. If the shoe was on the other foot, and this call went against Liverpool, then you would have heard about it from Klopp.
Perhaps, the only lucky thing for West Ham is that they need one more win and they are safe.
Even if they lose their next game, they still won’t drop into the relegation zone, so in that regard, they have done enough to survive, it’s just a case of pushing themselves over the line.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
