West Ham boss livid after ‘unacceptable’ decision

Furious West Ham boss Slaven Bilic criticised referee Bobby Madley for awarding Chelsea an 88th-minute penalty that cost his side victory at Stamford Bridge.

Blues substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek was clipped by Michail Antonio, allowing Cesc Fabregas to score an equaliser, but replays appeared to indicate the first contact was made outside the box.

Bilic admitted he was “gutted” that goals from Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll eventually secured just one point, rather than three.

He said: “It was not close to the line, it was way out. It’s simply not a penalty. He wasn’t sliding, so it shouldn’t be difficult for the referee to see.

“To concede a goal that late is gutting, no matter how you concede it. But to concede it from a penalty that wasn’t a penalty is unacceptable.

“I don’t like to moan or find excuses because the way the boys played we have to be really proud.”

West Ham would have gone above Manchester City and into fourth with a win but Bilic believes their display at the Bridge proved they are worthy challengers for a Champions League spot.

He said: “On the one hand it’s great when your team is gutted when you play really good at Stamford Bridge, the home of the champions. It shows we are moving in a really good direction.

“We could have two points more, we could go over Man City, put the pressure on them. We deserved it.”