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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlie Bennett

David Moyes confirms Howard Webb talks after Liverpool penalty controversy

David Moyes has revealed PGMOL chief Howard Webb called him after his West Ham United side were denied a late penalty in their 2-1 home loss to Liverpool on Wednesday.

In the dying embers of the game, the Hammers felt aggrieved by a controversial VAR call. Reds midfielder Thiago appeared to handle the ball inside the area but referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on. Despite pleas from Moyes on the touchline, the official was not asked to consult the pitch-side monitor.

Liverpool ultimately held on for a vital three points and the West Ham boss fumed in his post-match press conference. He said: “What do I make of the referee? Nothing much. I only had one chance to have a look at it, and I didn’t have a chance to see it before I spoke to the referee.

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“You will probably hear them coming out with some rubbish about (the player) having to break his fall.

“Well, if you lunge at the ball you know it's your own fault for lunging and being out of control in the tackle. You can break your fall by sliding down and having to put your arm down but he lunged for the ball. For me that completely nullifies anything about breaking the fall. I think it’s a penalty kick.

“I think the hardest thing is the disrespect from VAR. That VAR didn’t have at least said take a look, that’s them saying they don’t think it is a close decision.

“A lot of football people have seen a lot worse (handball decisions given) than that recently. Somebody in VAR didn’t have enough football knowledge to know that was close. Whoever it was chose not to send the referee.

“They need to apologise to the football club. We need to win points to say in the Premier League.”

Ahead of the Hammers' trip across the capital to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Moyes was asked if he'd heard from the refereeing body and if he'd received the apology he wanted.

And the former Everton manager told reporters that Webb, the PGMOL's first chief refereeing officer, had contacted him.

Moyes said: “I have spoken to Howard Webb and his team. So, yes, I have. The conversation was private and will remain that way.”

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