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Jamie O’Hara could not believe referee Andy Madley made one controversial decision in West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Brentford.
Madley awarded two penalties in the game – one for each team – but O’Hara thinks it should have been three.
Mateus Fernandes could easily have given away a third when he nudged the ball away from Kevin Schade before half-time.
Who was West Ham’s BEST PLAYER against Brentford?! 🤔
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Jamie O’Hara and Glenn Murray disagree with Mateus Fernandes penalty decision
Former Premier League players Jamie O’Hara and Glenn Murray agreed that Fernandes’ challenge warranted a penalty.
Fernandes clearly won the ball first, but he also stood on Schade’s toes and had a guilty look on his face immediately after.
Thankfully for the Hammers, Madley did not consider it a penalty and neither did video assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.
O’Hara could not understand how they came to that conclusion. He tweeted: “Shocking decision from the ref, stonewall penalty for Brentford, they are having one.”
Shocking decision from the ref stonewall penalty for Brentford, they are having one
— Jamie Ohara (@Mrjamieohara1) March 9, 2026
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Ex-Brighton and Crystal Palace striker Murray was also “surprised” that Madley did not point to the spot.
“Schade just gets to the pull back, and as he controls the ball, Fernandes steps in. There is a big wince from Fernandes,” he said on BBC Sport. “I’m very surprised with this decision [to play on].
“They want the high bar for overturning decisions, but we have VAR in the game for a reason, and for me, that is a challenge in the box where there is good, heavy contact that doesn’t allow Schade to pick his foot back up.”
The penalty decision appears even more important now that West Ham have advanced to the quarter-final.
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