Andoni Iraola fumes that Kilman not sent off vs AFC Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola fumes that Kilman not sent off vs AFC Bournemouth

ANDONI Iraola was left frustrated and bewildered after Maximilian Kilman escaped a red card for conceding a penalty with just over 20 minutes remaining against the Cherries.

The West Ham defender went to ground and handled the ball, stopping Evanilson from going one-on-one with Alphonse Areola just outside the six-yard box. While the penalty was awarded immediately, Kilman was not even booked for the foul.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Iraola explained his frustration with the decision. “I complained a lot to the referee. I don’t understand how it’s not a red card. The penalty is clear,” he said.

“They accept that it’s a red card, that he scoops the ball, but they claim it’s not DOGSO [denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity]. But Evanilson had control, just five metres from goal. The only clearer chance would be if there were no goalkeeper.”

He added: “Sometimes we show red cards when a player is 60 metres from goal going against the keeper. Here, he’s five metres out, about to finish.

Areola might save it, yes, but this is one of the clearest chances you’ll find. I cannot understand it, especially since VAR was involved, along with the assistants. The more I watch it, the clearer the chance becomes.”

Iraola stressed the potential impact on the game: “It left us playing 20-something minutes against ten men. I don’t know if it changes the game, but it certainly would have made it easier for us and harder for them.”

He concluded: “For me, it’s not acceptable. I would rather be told I didn’t see the handball than be told it wasn’t a clear goal-scoring opportunity.”