Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher analyses Jarrod Bowen penalty & Ivan Toney free kick

Jarrod Bowen should have been awarded a penalty against Sheffield United, says Ref Watch's Dermot Gallagher, who also looks at Ivan Toney's contentious free-kick.

INCIDENT: West Ham were adamant they should have had a penalty for Anel Ahmedhodzic's challenge on Jarrod Bowen, but the referee gave it the other way as a handball.

DERMOT SAYS: "I think it's a penalty and I thought it was when I first saw it.

"The clue for me is the defender is looking away from the ball. The ball comes over his head and he drags Bowen down.

"But the referee gave a handball against Bowen, with his argument being that he thinks Bowen has got hold of the defender first and that's why his arm is in that position.

"VAR thought it was a handball, that's their judgement.

"Regarding the whistle [for full time], VAR can still check and the players are told not to leave the field of play. We saw it at Brighton a few years ago.

"Until the VAR check is completed either way, the players have to stay on the pitch and a penalty can be given and taken."

Stephen Warnock on Ref Watch:

"I think it's a horrendous decision and I understand the pressure of being at Bramall Lane, 2-2, big game, final minute and you have to make a decision.

"But I'm sorry, that's your job. That is the position you've put yourself in as a referee.

"What are they thinking in the VAR booth? At what point are you thinking it's a not penalty and then saying 'it's all good to carry on'.

"We're getting far too many of these incidents where you've got a back-up plan with VAR, but at the moment, referees are so scared to make decisions.

"It's so clear that it's a penalty and how you've got a referee and VAR, plus assistants, who don't see it is just staggering."

INCIDENT: Ivan Toney scored a