David Moyes dismisses ‘ridiculous’ FA Cup claim as best in the world
Moyes was upset after VAR was used for the first Bristol City game at the London Stadium, but not the replay at Ashton Gate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Moyes dismissed the idea of the FA Cup being the best cup competition in the world as “quite ridiculous” following West Ham’s exit at Bristol City.
The Hammers lost their third-round replay 1-0 after Said Benrahma was sent off for reacting foolishly to Joe Williams’ 51st-minute challenge.
VAR was not in operation at Ashton Gate even though it had been used in the original tie at the London Stadium nine days earlier, which finished 1-1.
Although Moyes felt Darren England made the right decision to send off Benrahma, the Scot was unhappy over Williams’ tackle on the Algerian as well as one or two other incidents in the game.
Hammers boss Moyes said: “It’s incredible they call it the best cup competition in the world. Yet one week you have VAR, one week you don’t.
“I find it quite ridiculous they try to claim that, but it’s not level for every club.
“If we’re not having VAR we shouldn’t have it in the tournament at all. If we’re going to have it, then have it everywhere.”
West Ham were trailing to Tommy Conway’s third-minute goal when Benrahma was banished at the start of the second half.
“It made it much more difficult, that’s for sure,” Moyes said about trying to engineer a recovery.
“I’ve had a look at it and I don’t think we can have any complaints. I don’t think his reaction was correct. It was a sending-off.
“I wasn’t sure about the tackle on him. That might have been questionable. I thought in game-time it was a pretty hefty challenge.
“I’m not sure the referee moved in quick enough to deal with the first challenge, which allowed something else to happen. There was one on Danny Ings as well that was not the best either.”
On the defeat, Moyes added: “We should have won the game at London Stadium and done the job better.
“That’s what happens in the cup competitions – if you’re not quite on it, or maybe not at your best, you can find yourself knocked out.”
Bristol City, 14th in the Sky Bet Championship, seized their opportunity against opponents who were without Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio and Mohammed Kudus for various reasons.
Robins boss Liam Manning said: “Across the two legs the performance level was really high.
“We got off to a great start which always helps, but there’s a real danger when you’re one ahead to try and protect that lead.
“But we showed a real bravery to try and play and press. We tried to stay on the front foot and I thought we were excellent.
“I was really proud of the lads because we maintained that level of focus you need against opposition like that.”
Bristol City will be at home to either Blackpool or Nottingham Forest in round four.