Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England are being praised after a late goal by West Ham is ruled out in their match against Arsenal. Multiple reports highlight that the officiating team’s handling of the incident drew positive reaction, including from former match official Chris Foy, who commended what he described as “really good teamwork” between the on-field referee and VAR.
The decision follows the standard VAR process, where the match officials review footage and determine whether the goal should stand. While public discussion centers on the disallowed equaliser, the commentary in these sources focuses on the competence and coordination of the officiating team rather than on any criticism of the outcome. The praise is directed at the communication and decision-making between Kavanagh and England during the check.
Overall, the reports agree that the referee and VAR partnership were central to the final call to disallow West Ham’s goal, and that former officials consider their approach to have been well managed.
