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David Moyes 'embarrassed' for officials after Soucek red card

West Ham manager David Moyes has voiced his amazement at the decision of the officials to dismiss...
Cathal Mullaney
Cathal Mullaney

11.31 7 Feb 2021


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David Moyes 'embarrassed' for...

David Moyes 'embarrassed' for officials after Soucek red card

Cathal Mullaney
Cathal Mullaney

11.31 7 Feb 2021


Share this article


West Ham manager David Moyes has voiced his amazement at the decision of the officials to dismiss Tomas Soucek in their draw with Fulham on Saturday.

The midfielder was given his marching orders late on after making slight contact with Aleksander Mitrovic's face as West Ham were preparing to take a free-kick.

Mitrovic went to ground, and the officials later consulted on the decision.

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Mike Dean watched the incident back on the pitchside monitor, before deciding a red card was the correct course of action.

Give that there appeared to be little or no intent on the part of Soucek, the decision has been widely condemned.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Moyes says he was 'embarrassed' that the decision was taken to dismiss the Czech player, who now faces a three-game ban.

"I'm more embarrassed for whoever was in VAR and made that decision, embarrassed for him who thinks that is anyway deliberate," the frustrated Scot said.

"I think he makes contact, obviously to anyone who would understand, and that's why I'm embarrassed for whoever done VAR because if they don't see that it's an accidental thing, it's difficult isn't it."

Fulham manager Scott Parker also expressed his surprise at the decision, saying that the game has 'gone sterile' and that he didn't think it was right to issue a red card for the infringement.

"I don't know what you say," Moyes continued.

"Some of the time these decisions can affect you badly, we hope it doesn't.

"But I'm amazed that they even considered that going to VAR and didn't see it as accidental, it's an incredible decision.

"You very rarely win any appeals these days there will always be a reason why they think it should be, I think we all find these decisions very difficult."

The game finished goalless, leaving West Ham in fifth position in the table.

Fulham are in 18th, eight points from safety.


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