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Ex-Fifa official demands radical change as West Ham-Nayef Aguerd footage re-analysed
Keith Hackett has called for the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology after the lengthy VAR check to award West Ham star Nayef Aguerd’s goal against Southampton on Sunday (2 April).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed the delay was “ridiculous”.
As seen in footage posted to YouTube by Sky Sports (2 April), Aguerd opened the scoring for West Ham with an emphatic header from Thilo Kehrer’s cross.
However, there was a question of offside – and VAR took three minutes and 29 seconds to confirm the goal.
A number of West Ham players were stood in offside positions, but Aguerd was eventually found to be onside.
Just three minutes of first-half stoppage time were added despite the lengthy VAR check.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It was ridiculous.
“The way we’ve got to go here is introducing the semi-automated system into the Premier League.
“Or, if the VAR can’t decide in a given timeframe – maybe a minute – then the original decision stands.
“These checks are also cutting into the on-pitch time of the game. We saw just three minutes of added time in this game. It’s not enough.
“The referees have got to do more to ensure the right amount of time is played.”
West Ham moved up to 15th with the win over their relegation rivals – but are still just outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.
Meanwhile, Southampton remain bottom of the Premier League table and have been cut four points adrift of safety.
In other news, West Ham naming rights twist as news on £20m+ deal confirmed.