Penalty Decision Labeled ‘Ridiculous’ and ‘Soft’

Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker expressed the view that West Ham ought not to have received a penalty following Matthijs de Ligt’s tackle on Danny Ings. Referee David Coote initially dismissed appeals for a penalty, but the video assistant referee (VAR) subsequently directed him to the pitchside monitor to examine De Ligt’s challenge. Following this review, Coote reversed his initial ruling and awarded the penalty. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag characterized the penalty as feeling “unfair and unjust.” The conversion of this penalty by Jarrod Bowen led to United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the current season. Reo-Coker commented on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, stating, “It is not often I agree with Ten Hag but on this occasion I do because it was not a penalty.” He elaborated, “De Ligt goes to challenge Ings and it is more of a coming together than a penalty.” He further described the decision as “soft,” adding, “If we are going to start giving penalties for that then we are just opening up another can of worms because it is ridiculous.” Reo-Coker concluded, “I feel for United because it is harsh but it wasn’t a great performance from them anyway.”