Why West Ham didn't get penalty against Burnley despite ball hitting Sander Berge's hand

10/03/2024 23:15

West Ham believe they should have been awarded a late penalty against Burnley after the ball hit Sander Berge’s hand.

The Hammers had to come from behind to seal a point against the Clarets on Sunday, drawing 2-2 at home in east London.

Late on in the match, Burnley midfielder Berge appeared to handle the ball in the box but a penalty was not given.

West Ham fans will certainly feel aggrieved as a spot-kick would have given them the chance to win all three points at the London Stadium.

However, it appears as though the correct decision was made, with both sides settling for a point each.

Why was a penalty not awarded?

VAR checked the incident and a penalty couldn’t be given as Berge headed the ball onto his own hand when attempting to clear it.

Rules dictate that a mitigating factor in such a scenario is a clear change of trajectory when played by the same player.

This did not appear to be the case for Berge and West Ham boss David Moyes appeared defeated when reflecting on it.

“Well you arm shouldn’t be in front of your face when you’re heading it,” he told Sky Sports after the match.

“It should be out the side if you’re going to head the ball clear. It must be okay now, if I put my hands out and head it onto my hand, that seems to be okay, looks as if that rule is acceptable now.”

It’s the second time this week that West Ham have been denied a late penalty, with the Hammers failing to win either game.

Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Freiburg saw VAR give a lengthy check for a handball from Noah Weisshaupt, but nothing was given and West Ham lost 1-0.

Burnley were the latest side to frustrate the east London outfit and opened the scoring with a stunning goal from David Datro Fofana.

A Konstantinos Mavropanos own goal made it 2-0 but Lucas Paqueta and Danny Ings ensured West Ham earned a point for their efforts.