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MARK HALSEY

West Ham can feel aggrieved by West Brom’s first goal being allowed, but can have no complaints with Sofiane Feghouli’s disallowed goal and Robert Snodgrass’ penalty appeal

Slaven Bilic should be disappointed for his behaviour after he reacted angrily to the match official's after Gareth McAuley scored a late equaliser

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SUNSPORT’S former Premier League ref Mark Halsey assesses the four big talking points from the clash between West Ham and West Brom.

It was honours even at the London Stadium as Gareth McAuley scored a 94th minute equaliser to draw 2-2.

 McAuley scored a dramatic equaliser late on to snatch a point for the Baggies
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McAuley scored a dramatic equaliser late on to snatch a point for the BaggiesCredit: Reuters
 Manuel Lanzini was mobbed by his Hammers team-mates after they believed he scored the winner
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Manuel Lanzini was mobbed by his Hammers team-mates after they believed he scored the winnerCredit: Getty Images

1 Sofiane Feghouli’s disallowed goal was the correct call in my opinion by the assistant referee.


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You could say the keeper was impeded by Michail Antonio but the West Ham player was also offside.

Once Antonio made a movement towards the ball, he became involved in active play and was interfering with the opponent. West Ham cannot have any complaints.

 Michael Oliver ruled out Feghouli's goal which replays show was the correct decision
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Michael Oliver ruled out Feghouli's goal which replays show was the correct decisionCredit: Reuters

2 Feghouli was definitely fouled by Chris Brunt in the build-up to Nacer Chadli’s West Brom opener.

Michael Oliver is one of the best officials in the country. But I don’t understand why he missed that.

Just stop play and award the free-kick. No one will complain. The West Brom players may moan but would get on with the game.

3 Robert Snodgrass had claims for a penalty when he went down under Jake Livermore’s touch in first-half stoppage-time.

But in my opinion, the West Ham player went down far too easily and was looking for it.

I wouldn’t have cautioned him because, as a ref, you don’t go looking for trouble, you just play on.

Snodgrass was trouble during his Hull days for what was perceived to be ‘simulation’. But refs don’t judge players on their reputation, they take each incident on its merits.

 The former Norwich man complains to the match officials at half-time but he went down far too easily
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The former Norwich man complains to the match officials at half-time but he went down far too easilyCredit: Reuters

4 Slaven Bilic was sent off for throwing a mic in disgust.

It is likely, given that this was his first offence, he’ll be fined £8,000 and get a one-match touchline ban.

Bilic had to be removed from the technical area. No question. And deep down, I suspect the West Ham manager would have been disappointed with his behaviour.

 Bilic was incensed after the late goal his side conceded and threw a TV microphone
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Bilic was incensed after the late goal his side conceded and threw a TV microphoneCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
 He was sent to the stands after his angry confrontation with Michael Oliver
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He was sent to the stands after his angry confrontation with Michael OliverCredit: Reuters

Premier League managers have to set an example to all the kids watching around the world.

These managerial outbursts are becoming too common this season.

I am not condoning what goes on, but they are so frustrated that each week there are about five or six errors from refs. They are frustrated by the standard of refereeing.

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