Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has joined the chorus of people calling out the decision to send Fabian Balbuena off against Chelsea.
Balbuena was dismissed after clearing a ball before his follow-through caught onrushing Blues defender Ben Chilwell on the calf.
After consulting with VAR, referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor and chose to show a red card to the Paraguay centre-back.
David Moyes was left riled by the decision during his post-match interview and Kenny has told Football Insider that the incident was lamentable.
I don’t think anybody thought it was a sending-off. When you’re a kid you get taught to clear a ball and follow-through, it was just a stupid, unbelievably bad decision for me. I’m not 100% sure what the rules are for appealing VAR decisions but I’m sure West Ham will appeal that decision if they can.
West Ham have indeed already chosen to appeal the decision and in turn, will hope to get the 29-year old’s three-game suspension lifted.
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Given the furore and level of backlash, it’s hard not to believe the decision left plenty to be desired.
Earlier this term midfielder Tomas Soucek was also dismissed before having the red card overturned, leading to questions as to how VAR and the officials are performing.
Moyes will hope to have Balbuena back in contention for Monday’s trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.
