Arsenal mural – Days after Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, a new mural near the Emirates has appeared celebrating Chris Kavanagh’s controversial VAR decision that ruled out West Ham’s late equaliser. The artwork—made by Paddy Power—has inflamed West Ham fans and spark
A mural has gone up on Avenell Road, just minutes from the Emirates Stadium, and it isn’t trying to smooth anything over.
It celebrates a West Ham moment that swung the Premier League title race earlier this month: an injury-time equaliser from Callum Wilson being ruled out by referee Chris Kavanagh after a lengthy VAR check. The decision came after it was judged that Pablo. West Ham’s forward. was impeding Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. with Kavanagh adding: “After review West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.”.
Alongside Chris Kavanagh staring at a screen capturing the chaotic penalty-box incident. the mural honours Kavanagh’s words—an image that has already proved provocative in the days following Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph. Several fans then took aim at “Arsenal supporters” and claimed the club was behind the artwork. but the mural is actually thanks to Paddy Power.
Paddy Power has leaned into the controversy. Arsenal fans have posed alongside the mural as they continue to celebrate their historic achievement. while West Ham supporters have been particularly furious—especially those who see it as an insult directed at them at a time when their survival is far from secure.
One social media user said: “Arsenal fans are now making murals about West Ham’s goal being ruled out against them by VAR, alongside getting it printed on shirts. Tragic embarrassing fanbase.” Another posted: “Rather be relegated than be part of that fanbase.”
Gunners supporters were quick to push back. They pointed out that the mural was done by Paddy Power rather than them, and some also tried to rub salt into the wounds by bringing up West Ham’s potential relegation on the final day.
The argument driving all of this still starts with what happened in that penalty box. During the incident, after lengthy deliberations, Kavanagh ruled that Pablo had his arm across Raya’s chest, impeding him from catching the ball or parrying it away.
The decision sparked immediate backlash. Former Manchester United and Manchester City keeper Peter Schmeichel described it as “crazy” and “so wrong”. while West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen hit out at officials. Bowen said: “Because we’re on the receiving end, we’re going to feel hard done by. Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players. There’s lots of holding and grappling going on in the box. The keeper has to expect contact, there’s going to be tussles.
“I’m sure we could go back through every single game and find goalkeepers being fouled and not getting decisions. If you’re going to give it, you have to give it to every single one that happens week in, week out. Where’s the consistency?
“When you look at the screen for five minutes, you’ll find something. I’m sure if you look long enough, you’ll find something. Do I think it’s the right decision? No.”
For West Ham, the controversy has not stayed in the past. They still face a simple, cruel equation for the final day: they must beat Leeds, and they must also hope Tottenham lose to Everton to avoid relegation.
Arsenal Premier League West Ham VAR Chris Kavanagh Pablo David Raya Jarrod Bowen Peter Schmeichel Paddy Power Leeds Tottenham Everton relegation