Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has strongly asserted that Bryan Mbeumo should have been shown a yellow card for simulation during West Ham’s recent match against Manchester United.
In a closely contested game at Old Trafford, West Ham managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Man United, with Soungoutou Magassa scoring a late equalizer for the Hammers. The match showcased a standout performance from Aaron Wan-Bissaka against his former club.
With West Ham striving to remain in the Premier League this season, every decision becomes crucial for their survival, as highlighted by Hackett’s call for referee Andrew Kitchen to reconsider the incident involving Mbeumo and issue a yellow card for what he believed was a clear case of simulation.
Hackett, known for his expertise in officiating matters, expressed his disappointment in Kitchen’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the referee did not fulfill his duties appropriately.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been gradually improving West Ham’s results, and the draw against Man United will be viewed positively as the team returns to East London. Despite falling behind 1-0, West Ham had a chance to take the lead before Mbeumo’s contentious fall in the penalty area, where Kitchen opted not to award a penalty or caution the player for simulation.
Addressing the incident, Hackett stressed that Mbeumo’s actions were an obvious attempt to deceive the referee and should have resulted in a yellow card. He urged Kitchen to review the incident and acknowledge the error in not penalizing the offense.
Although the Hammers escaped without conceding a penalty, the fine margins between fair play and deception can have a significant impact on their season outcomes. Nuno’s strategic changes in the lineup against United paid off, with Magassa stepping up in the absence of Lucas Paqueta and Fernandes adapting to a wider role.
Despite United dominating possession, West Ham managed to create scoring opportunities and nearly secured a late victory through Jarrod Bowen’s dangerous cross across the face of the goal. The outcome underlined the importance of capitalizing on counterattacks, exemplifying West Ham’s resilience and determination to compete at the highest level. While small details may have cost them points, the draw against a top team like United remains a commendable achievement for Nuno’s side.
