‘That was a foul!’: Robbie Savage insists AZ Alkmaar’s opening goal against West Ham should have been EXCLUDED due to a push on Lucas Paqueta ahead of Tijjani Reijnders’ goal
- Reijnders gave AZ Alkmaar the lead in the first half with a shot from a distance
- Lucas Paqueta was pushed towards the goal in the build-up, but the referee kept playing
- West Ham players protested that the goal should stand in the first leg
Robbie Savage thinks that AZ Alkmaar’s opening goal against West Ham should have been rejected.
Tijjani Reijnders gave the Dutch side a surprising lead towards the end of the first half in the first leg of the Conference League semi-final, firing in from range to break the deadlock.
The visitors controlled most of the game, although West Ham had the better chances, with Matt Ryan making saves from Said Benrahma and Lucas Paqueta heading into Ryan’s arms from close range.
However, Reijnders’ attempt was the first goal of the game and was given after a lengthy VAR check for a possible foul by Sam Beukema on Paqueta leading up to the goal.
Savage, commenting for BT Sport during the match, insisted the strike should have been disallowed for the push.
Robbie Savage has maintained that Tijjani Reijnders’ goal against West Ham should have been disallowed
Lucas Paqueta appeared to have been pushed ahead of the London goal
The West Ham players protested the decision, but referee Halil Umut Meler allowed the goal to stand
‘That was a foul! It was!’ Wilde insisted. “For me, I don’t know how far back he can go, but it’s a definite push.”
However, Carlton Cole and Joe Cole on knowledge disagreed with Savage.
“It’s a tough one,” Carlton said. “If you look at it from a different angle, I don’t think he puts enough on him to react like that.
That’s probably what the referee saw. I think he was trying to buy that.
Joe Cole added: “You’re trying to buy it as a striker. The referee called. It wasn’t wrong enough to change it and there was enough time to put it right from West Ham’s perspective.
West Ham players complained to referee Halil Umut Meler, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Savage insisted after the replay that Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal should have saved the try, which came in despite the Frenchman getting going.
Savage (pictured) knocked out Alphonse Areola for failing to save the attempt
Carlton Cole (left) and Joe Cole (right), meanwhile, admitted the possible foul was soft
The midfielder fired after Tomas Soucek failed to close him off, then rolled away in celebration as the ball hit the back of the net.
“They’ll check… it’s a good build-up and the attack, the goalkeeper has to be better,” said Savage. “Does it take a little deflection? It’s a long way.
‘He has to try harder. On this occasion, he can’t keep it out. Similar rescue on the other side, a more difficult one.’
Fans on social media echoed Savage’s calls as they expressed their frustrations with Areola’s efforts.
Areola just isn’t good enough. As is the overall performance so far,” one frustrated supporter said on Twitter.
“Bad from Areola,” said another fan, choosing to focus on the goalkeeping rather than the potential foul.
“We are not taking any risks and not making the most of the atmosphere,” a third added. “This couple is playing a really good game against us. Not as easy as some thought, huh?’