Ex-PGMOL Chief: Burton Albion 'Robbed' by West Ham as Konstantinos Mavropanos Controversy Re-Analysed

In a heated re-examination of West Ham's dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over League One's Burton Albion in the FA Cup fourth round, former PGMOL chief Howard Webb has accused the Hammers of robbing the underdogs through a controversial non-call involving defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The match, played on February 14, 2026, saw West Ham escape embarrassment thanks to substitute Crysencio Summerville's 95th-minute winner. Summerville, on a hot streak with six goals in his last seven games, cut in from the left, beat two defenders, and fired a shot that deflected off Burton's Terence Vancooten past goalkeeper Brad Collins, propelling Nuno Espírito Santo's side into the last 16.[1]

However, the spotlight has shifted to a first-half incident where Mavropanos appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area. Footage re-analysed by Webb shows the West Ham centre-back's arm in an unnatural position as a Burton cross struck it, denying a clear penalty shout. "Burton Albion were robbed," Webb declared, criticising referee Michael Salisbury's decision not to award the spot-kick. "The handball was deliberate and denied a goalscoring opportunity—clear and obvious under VAR protocols."[1]

Burton boss Gary Bowyer had fired up his team pre-match with clips of their famous 2006 goalless draw against Manchester United. They held firm for 95 minutes, frustrating West Ham despite lacking cutting edge against Alphonse Areola. Late drama unfolded in extra time: Lofthouse missed a sitter at 118 minutes, Summerville hit the side-netting at 114, and post-goal scuffles saw bookings for Collins, Adom, and Walker-Peters.[1]

West Ham fans, protesting directors David Sullivan and Karren Brady with a flyover banner pre-kickoff, saw little to cheer beyond the win amid ongoing frustrations. Webb's intervention reignites debates on officiating standards, with Burton left ruing what could have been a famous upset. (298 words)