QPR keeper's double save denies West Ham in Championship race
A penalty save by goalkeeper Pierce Charles denied West Ham victory against QPR.
The Hammers conceded a controversial penalty in the first half when Tomas Soucek was penalised for a challenge that replays showed happened outside the box. Nicolas Madsen converted to put QPR ahead.
Jarrod Bowen equalised for West Ham in the 70th minute. In stoppage time, the Hammers were awarded another penalty after a shirt-grab in the box.
Bowen's kick was saved by Charles, and the 21-year-old goalkeeper then pushed the rebound from Arne Engels onto the crossbar. The Championship has no VAR system, so the first-half penalty decision stood despite the clear angle showing Soucek got the ball and the contact was outside the area.
- 21 years old
- Charles age
- Four over international break
- Charles clean sheets
- 1-1 draw
- Final score
- Outside the box
- Soucek contact location
Why it mattersThe dropped points leave West Ham unable to close the gap at the Championship summit during a crucial stage of their title chase.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though Australian football fans following West Ham will feel the impact of this costly draw.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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