The reason West Ham were not given a late penalty in their Europa League defeat against Freiburg has been revealed.

David Moyes’ side had failed to take their chances at the Europa-Park Stadion, and found themselves a goal down heading into the closing stages after Michael Gregoritsch netted late for the hosts.

With four minutes of stoppage time to play the Hammers looked to have been handed a lifeline after the referee consulted with VAR for a potential penalty after Noah Weisshaupt appeared to handle the ball inside the box.

The decision proved highly controversial on social media as fans questioned how a penalty had not been given when the video review clearly showed contact between Weisshaupt’s hand and the ball.

Referee controversially decided not to award West Ham a penalty in their defeat by Freiburg

Hammers believed  they would be awarded a spot kick after the ball hit a defender’s hand in the box

However an important detail proved to be the difference that meant the penalty was not given

According to ESPN editor Dale Johnson, the referee’s decision not to award a penalty based on an exemption in the rules regarding handball.

He explains that the referee made the decision after noting that the ball was originally kicked by Weisshaupt, before making contact with Tomas Soucek and rebounding onto his arm.

Analysis of the referee’s view of the VAR playback appears to confirm this, as the last angle definitively shows Weisshaupt deliberately making the initial contact rather than Soucek.

The decision making process forced stoppage time to be further extended but the Hammers were ultimately unable to find an equaliser.

Moyes will be hoping for a much more positive showing from his side when they welcome the Bundesliga team to the London Stadium on Thursday.