Nuno Espírito Santo voiced his frustration after West Ham conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Brighton, insisting the decision to allow the goal left supporters and players bitterly disappointed.
The manager stressed that the Irons had done enough to claim the points, only for their work to unravel in the closing moments.
Nuno, who was born in Sao Tome, criticised the call that led to Georginio Rutter’s late strike being upheld following a VAR review.
He argued that the infringement was obvious and should have resulted in the goal being disallowed. “It’s really hard to take.
“It’s clear (that Brighton’s goal should have been disallowed). It’s not that it appears (to be an infringement), it’s clear. I saw it, everybody saw it. We cannot understand how they give the goal.
“Everybody saw it. It’s hard to take, really hard to take.
“What’s the point (in seeking an explanation from the match officials)? The game is finished. We have to focus on (Aston) Villa now.
“I think both situations should be checked. I thought it was also handball, don’t you think?
“The support of our fans that make us feel like we were in London, then comes one situation, and so many people see it, it’s hard to take.
Jarrod Bowen had earlier given West Ham the lead with a sharp finish in the 73rd minute, controlling a pass from Callum Wilson before scoring from a narrow angle.
His contribution lifted the team and temporarily eased the pressure surrounding their position near the bottom of the table. Brighton threatened an instant reply when a deflected cross struck the woodwork, but Alphonse Areola reacted quickly to prevent an equaliser.
The hosts maintained their pressure as the match entered its final stages. Charalampos Kostoulas made a clever run to reach a low cross from Rutter, but his effort drifted wide.
West Ham then stood firm through several tense phases of play, appearing ready to secure a crucial victory that would have pulled them clear of the relegation zone.
Their resistance, however, was broken in stoppage time. Rutter converted from close range after a scramble in the box, with VAR confirming the striker’s arm was in a natural position and did not play the ball immediately before the finish.
