WEST HAM sub keeper David Martin gifted Sheffield United victory in a game once again marred with VAR controversy.
Sub Robert Snodgrass thought he had rescued the Hammers a point in the 92nd minute.
West Ham were denied what they thought was a dramatic equaliserCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Robert Snodgrass stuck the ball away and went off to celebrateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
David Moyes was left absolutely fuming at the decision on the sidelinesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
VAR once again reared what is becoming an ugly headCredit: AFP
This Sheffield United fan took things a bit too far with his pitch invasionCredit: Rex Features
But his ‘goal’ was ruled out with Declan Rice adjudged to have handballed in the lead-up.
West Ham boss David Moyes will be fuming with the decision, with the ball bouncing onto Rice’s arm through no fault of his own.
And it will be a bitter pill for Hammers sub keeper David Martin, who thought his blushes were finally spared.
Martin entered the game in the 15th minute when Lukasz Fabianski went off injured.
David Martin’s poor kick out gifted the game’s only goal, netted by Oli McBurnieCredit: Sportimage
The Scottish striker takes the plaudits but he wouldn’t get an easier chanceCredit: Reuters
David Martin was devastated after his error saw Sheffield United take the leadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the son of Hammers legend Alvin Martin probably wished he didn’t after his howler in the early stages of the second half.
He failed to find Fabio Balbuena from a pass out of the box, it was intercepted by John Fleck who laid in Oli McBurnie to score what turned out to be the winner.
Chris Wilder’s side should have increased their lead but had to survive some anxious moments.
West Ham’s Sebastien Haller had a goal ruled out for offside and keeper Dean Henderson made a couple of sharp saves before the dramatic VAR intervention.
Sheffield United moved up three places into fifth with 32 points from 22 games, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
It was a first loss for West Ham since David Moyes returned for a second stint in charge after Manuel Pellegrini was sacked on December 28 following defeat by Leicester City.
They remain in trouble in 16th place, two points above the bottom three.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
