David Moyes rails at ‘rank, rotten’ decision to send off Fabián Balbuena

David Moyes, the West Ham United manager, condemned a “rank, rotten” refereeing decision for leaving his team down to 10 men for the last phase of their tussle for fourth place with Chelsea. An appeal against Fabián Balbuena’s red card is anticipated.

The defender was sent off in the 81st minute after referee Chris Kavanagh was referred to the pitchside monitor by VAR to review a clearance by Balbuena in which, following through contact with the ball, the sole of his boot was planted into Ben Chilwell’s calf as the Chelsea player sought to block the clearance.

“The player has cleared it and he has planted his foot,” said Moyes. “Now, obviously, we don’t want it to be planted in another player’s leg. I don’t