“VAR Controversy Erupts: Expert Claims Pervis Estupiñán Should Have Seen Red for Challenge on Max Kilman in Heated Brighton vs West Ham Clash”
A major VAR controversy has emerged following Brighton’s 1-1 draw against West Ham at the London Stadium, with VAR expert Dale Johnson insisting that Pervis Estupiñán should have been sent off. The Ecuadorian defender was involved in a contentious moment in the 84th minute when he fouled Max Kilman in what many believe was a reckless challenge.
Despite the severity of the incident, Estupiñán was only shown a yellow card, sparking heated debate among fans and pundits alike. Johnson argued that the decision not to upgrade the punishment to a red card was a clear mistake, raising further questions about VAR’s consistency in crucial Premier League moments.
The incident has reignited calls for improved officiating standards as fans vent frustration over the lack of clarity and accountability in game-changing decisions. Could this controversy overshadow the rest of Brighton’s season?
“VAR Fails Again? Dale Johnson Slams Decision to Let Pervis Estupiñán Off with Yellow Card After Dangerous Challenge in West Ham Draw”
Fresh controversy has erupted over VAR’s role in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium, as footage revealed a reckless challenge by Pervis Estupiñán on Max Kilman in the 84th minute. The Brighton defender, with studs up and off the ground, collided dangerously with Kilman’s shin, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided not to overturn the yellow card issued by the on-field referee.
Dale Johnson, a leading VAR expert, has now weighed in on the decision, labeling it a clear case of serious foul play that warranted a red card. Writing in his weekly VAR Review for ESPN (23 December), Johnson stated: “Estupiñán was off the floor with both feet, meaning he was out of control in the challenge and was unable to stop himself following through into the shin of Kilman. It should have been a VAR red card for serious foul play.”
This incident has sparked outrage among fans and reignited debate over the consistency and reliability of VAR in crucial Premier League matches. Critics are questioning how such a dangerous challenge could escape the scrutiny of video review, with many arguing that it sets a worrying precedent for officiating standards.
“West Ham Furious as VAR Fails to Punish Estupiñán’s Dangerous Challenge in Brighton Draw”
West Ham United are left feeling aggrieved after VAR failed to issue a red card for Pervis Estupiñán’s reckless challenge on Max Kilman during their 1-1 draw with Brighton at the London Stadium. The Hammers were furious with the decision at the time, and their anger is unlikely to subside after re-watching the incident, which showed the Seagulls defender lunging off the ground with studs up.
Despite clear evidence of dangerous play, VAR official Paul Tierney chose not to upgrade the yellow card handed out on the pitch, sparking outrage from West Ham players and fans alike. Dale Johnson, in his VAR Review for ESPN (23 December), added fuel to the fire by confirming that Estupiñán’s actions met all the criteria for serious foul play, stating: “He was off the floor with both feet, out of control, and followed through into Kilman’s shin. This should have been a red card.”
The decision has left West Ham supporters questioning VAR’s consistency and whether justice was served, as their team potentially missed out on a numerical advantage in the closing stages of the game. This latest controversy adds to the growing frustration over officiating in the Premier League.
“West Ham Robbed? VAR Under Fire After Failing to Punish Estupiñán’s Dangerous Foul in Brighton Stalemate”
West Ham United were left furious after VAR failed to intervene on a controversial challenge by Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán during their 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. The Ecuadorian defender’s studs-up tackle on Max Kilman in the 84th minute, which saw him off the ground and out of control, was deemed only worthy of a yellow card—a decision that has baffled experts and fans alike.
Former referee Mark Halsey expressed his disbelief at the lack of action, stating: “Estupiñán is off the floor, his studs are up, he is out of control—it is a red card, there is no doubt about that. It’s baffling that VAR did not intervene for such a clear and obvious error.”
West Ham’s frustration was further compounded by the fact that the incident wasn’t even mentioned in Match of the Day’s analysis segment, leaving many questioning why such a pivotal moment was overlooked. Playing against ten men in the closing stages could have provided the Hammers with a crucial advantage, but the opportunity was denied due to what many view as a glaring VAR error.
The incident has reignited calls for greater transparency and consistency in officiating, with fans demanding answers as to how such dangerous challenges continue to go unpunished.
“Missed Opportunity? VAR Controversy Denies West Ham Crucial Boost Ahead of Festive Fixtures”
West Ham United may feel robbed of a golden opportunity to gain a momentum-shifting victory against Brighton after a controversial VAR decision allowed Pervis Estupiñán to escape a red card for a reckless challenge on Max Kilman. The 1-1 draw, which could have swung in West Ham’s favor had Brighton been reduced to ten men, leaves the Hammers with mixed emotions heading into a challenging festive period.
A win against a top-half side like Brighton would have been a significant confidence boost for the Irons as they prepare for tough fixtures against Southampton, Liverpool, and Manchester City. However, they can still draw positives from their recent form, with a victory against Wolves and back-to-back draws against Bournemouth and Brighton, two other top-half teams.
Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their last three league matches and could use their own recent results as a springboard for greater success as they build momentum heading into the busy holiday schedule.
West Ham, though disappointed by the VAR decision, will look to carry their resilience into the coming fixtures, determined to turn frustrations into fuel for a strong run against elite opposition.