17 January 2024 , 08:35
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David Moyes lamented the fact that VAR cannot be used in all FA Cup games after West Ham United were dumped out of the competition by Bristol City.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium but couldn't get the job done at Ashton Gate as the Championship outfit landed a memorable victory. Tommy Conway's strike in the third minute proved to be the winner as Said Benrahma was sent-off.
The West Ham forward was dismissed in the second-half after kicking out at Joe Williams in retaliation to being fouled, with the Bristol City midfielder arguably fortunate not to have been sent off himself. Williams was also lucky to avoid a red for a challenge on Danny Ings, but the referee couldn't rely on assistance from VAR.
Moyes said afterwards: "It’s incredible that they call it the best cup competition in the world but yet we have one week where we have VAR and the next we don’t. I find it quite ridiculous. It’s not level for every club. If we’re not having VAR we shouldn’t have it in the tournament at all. If we’re having it, have it everywhere."
The Hammers boss admits he had no issue with Benrahma's red card, but Bristol City too could've been down to 10 men had Williams seen his challenges reviewed.
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Only Premier League grounds can use VAR in the FA Cup due to licensing rules, irrespective of a stadium's infrastructure and if it was previously a top flight stadium.
That has copped criticism but the FA has previously said: “Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible. However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required.”
Said Benrahma saw red at Ashton GateAaron Cresswell, who was one of four changes to the starting XI, conceded that the Hammers were not good enough. He said: “We wanted to go as far as possible in the FA Cup - as we do in every competition we play in - so we’re all gutted we’re out.
"We’ll go back to the training ground and do what we can to make sure we’re ready for Sunday now. We have another big game back in the Premier League, and hopefully we can come back from that with the right result.”
West Ham have enjoyed a promising season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League with a clash against Sheffield United to come this weekend.