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Ex-Premier League referee slams 'lazy' Thomas Partey with Arsenal star 'caught out' in new controversy
Keith Hackett has insisted Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was to blame for West Ham receiving a first-half penalty on Sunday (16 March) – not referee David Coote.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Irons captain Declan Rice had no chance to move his hand away from the ball before setting up Lucas Paqueta to win the spot-kick.
As seen in footage posted to Twitter by Sky Sports (17 April), Partey was caught on the ball by Rice – who looked to handle the ball in close proximity to the Arsenal star.
West Ham went on to win a penalty seconds later when Paqueta was fouled by Gabriel.
VAR official John Brooks checked both incidents and the spot-kick was upheld with Rice found not guilty of a deliberate handball.
West Ham scored the penalty through Said Benrahma and rescued a point in the second half after drawing level at 2-2.
That result leaves Arsenal four points ahead of Man City with the two sides set to face off next week (26 April).
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It was lazy play from Partey.
“He was caught out.
“Rice snuck up on him and he didn’t have the chance to move his hand away from the ball, so there’s no case for a handball there.
“I think the referee had a very good game. The VAR didn’t have to come in at all on any of his decisions.
“He was in a great position for every decision, he was quick to award them. Coote is having a good end to his season.”
In other news, Arsenal two-man shopping list revealed after Arteta green light.