West Ham United’s recent issues with discipline hit a new low, as Edson Alvarez’s reckless tackle just before half-time earned him a second yellow and dismissal.
Remarkably, though, the Irons were fortunate not to finish the match with just eight players, with two potential red cards somehow overlooked by the referee.
In yet another controversial oversight, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also failed to intervene on what looked like two clear red-card incidents.
Crysencio Summerville appeared to lash out at Ryan Yates in frustration, seemingly aiming a kick at his head.
It was reminiscent of Mohammed Kudus’ slap at Tottenham, yet to the disbelief of many, there was no VAR review for Summerville’s actions.
This incident brought to mind a similar case last season, when Wolves’ Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was shown a red for kicking Luton’s Tom Lockyer. Given that precedent, it’s surprising VAR chose not to investigate.
Another flashpoint came in the 18th minute, as Guido Rodriguez was booked for a late, studs-up tackle that would easily have warranted a red on another day. Once again, VAR stayed silent, leaving fans baffled.
It wasn’t just Alvarez’s rash decisions on display; the entire team looked visibly frustrated and off-kilter, lacking composure throughout the game.
This loss of discipline speaks to a deeper issue within the squad – a problem that undoubtedly stems from the top.
West Ham’s current struggles aren’t simply bad luck; they’re symptomatic of a broader failure in leadership and discipline that the club must urgently address.