‘Embarrassment’ – Oliver Holt hits out at what happened after West Ham star clanger
Oliver Holt has questioned why Anthony Taylor decided to save West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from the “stupid mistake” he made in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
The Daily Mail journalist slammed Taylor after he had initially waved play on before Areola set the ball down as if to take a free kick, allowing Cody Gakpo to pounce, but the referee stopped the game before he could do so.
Following the game, there was a great deal of controversy around this judgment, which further exposed the inconsistent officiating. Holt maintained that Taylor had prevented Areola from being “embarrassed.”
“I don’t understand the fashion for rescuing goalkeepers from terrible clangers,” Holt asserted in a letter published in the Daily Mail’s print edition on April 30, page 65.
“What comes next? Does the referee also spare a defender from humiliation if he allows the ball to run under his foot in a risky situation?
“Areola committed a dumb error. He ought to have been made to bear the repercussions.
Anthony Taylor slammed after West Ham controversy v Liverpool
Holt is right to question the referee’s decision. Having waved play on, seeing him pause play for a free kick after a howler from the keeper did nothing for the game other than rescuing him from his mistake – something the referee should have no part in.
Among those who were incensed by the choice was Jeff Stelling, who called it “horrific” and insisted it was the worst one he had seen all season. Given some of the mistakes made by officials in the previous four months, this was harsh criticism.
Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, who addressed the situation live on Match of the Day, expressed a similar level of outrage, concluding that neither of them could comprehend Taylor’s decision to stop the game at that precise moment.
The Premier League officials’ performance is under increased scrutiny due to the widespread criticism of the referee’s call and performance; they need to begin making calls with more regularity.
