Forum | Non-Football Related

Despite referee Felix Swayer's obvious leanings towards awarding every possible decision to Lyon in the game against West Ham last night and his erroneous issuing of a red card to Aaron Cresswell, it is unlikely that the club will appeal the sending off due to the fact that UEFA could view the appeal as 'frivolous' and extend Cresswell's ban.

Because Felix Swayer, or the corrupt ref as we think he should be called (polite version), is a 'hand picked' adjudicator, he is essentially beyond reproach which is why the club may well decide against an appeal. We think the club SHOULD appeal, irrespective of the consequences because it would throw a spotlight on Swayer's activities during the match.

NO professional referee should have made so many errors, including his 'policing' of Lyon's play acting and continued use of foul throws among other things. The level of consistency of his bias against West Ham has left many questioning just exactly why he was chosen for such a high profile fixture, more importantly many are of the opinion that his services were 'purchased' for the evening, NOT by Lyon directly we hasten to add, more likely by a betting syndicate or black mailers wanting a pay off.

We suggest Hammers use what ever means available to thoroughly investigate Swayer, a man who the crowd were in no doubts of naming as a word that rhythms with tanker! - LN

It is common practice for fans to feel that refereeing decisions are always against their team, mainly it is a biased opinion born out of frustration, however the already convicted of fraudulent activities referee for this evening's game between West Ham and Lyon performed So badly it beggars the question as to the possibility of him receiving a bribe to officiate so biasly towards Lyon throughout the ENTIRE game.

There were too many examples of what first appeared to be an inability to control the game but later became obvious acts of referring disrepute. The straight red issued to Aaron Cresswell was the culmination of a 'good evening's' work for the perpetrator of the continuous awards against the home side, while at the same time stopping the game EVERY time, and there were so many times, a Lyon player dropped to the deck as if they had been shot!

The fact that the team outplayed the visitors in the 2nd half shows what a tremendous team spirit exists within the squad, given the circumstances 1-1 wasn't a bad result, it could have been a lot worse. The club will undoubtedly appeal Cresswell's red card, but the ref is 'one of their own, so don't hold your breath! - Ed

Ahead of what is Hammers most important game in decades David Moyes has been handed an injury lifeline by the declaration of fitness of two vital players. Both Jarrod Bowen AND Ben Johnson will be available for selection to play this evening against Lyon.

The fact that the FA and Premier League have conspired to assassinate Hammers bid for European glory by denying them access to players made available by the Ukraine conflict, has been brushed under the carpet, temporarily at least. David Moyes was none too pleased during his pre-match presser when discussing the fact that tonight's opponents Lyon, have had to deal with no such obstructions from the French FA when it comes to featuring players signed as a result of the conflict.

Nevertheless, having both Bowen and Jonson available is a major boost for the Irons as they look to progress to the Europa League Cup semi finals, where they could face Barcelona. London neighbours Chelsea were given a salient European lesson in the Champions League yesterday by Real Madrid, David Moyes has been keen to stress that this evening's game is the first of two legs and that fan will need to be patient during the game, as he will desperately want to avoid the same fate as Tomas Tuchel's team who now have a mountain to climb as they try to recover from a 3-1 home defeat in their first leg of the tie.

Playing the first of both games at home does slightly disadvantage West Ham, however with the away goals rule scrapped AND the fact that Moyes likes to set his Hammers team up so they can use their 'electric' counter attacking speed to full advantage means that a draw, or heaven forbid even a one goal deficit would not prove to be an insurmountable challenge for the return fixture in France.

The crowd and the players will provide an atmosphere that Lyon are unused to, it is top be hoped that they are 'consumed' by the pre-match show and 'massive' noise from the Stadium. We will have all the team news ahead of the game in our build up to the match. -Ed