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David Moyes defends West Ham's Andy Carroll over aerial challenges

"We are in a country which wants to rule out simulation. But he stays up and is hit by two people and gets zero protection"

Andy Carroll was a big threat for West Ham on his return to the starting line-up
Image: David Moyes has defended Andy Carroll over his style of play

David Moyes has issued a staunch defence of Andy Carroll, arguing that the West Ham striker warrants better treatment from referees over aerial challenges.

Carroll has been involved in a series of incidents this season which have raised debate over how he uses his arms to battle for possession but Moyes believes there is no malicious intent from the 28-year-old.

The former Newcastle and Liverpool frontman was sent off against Burnley in October for two yellow cards in quick succession following aerial battles and caught Watford's Marvin Zeegelaar with his forearm last Sunday.

Match referee Andre Marriner (second right) books West Ham United's Andy Carroll (centre) during the Premier League match at Watford.
Image: Andre Marriner booked Andy Carroll during the Premier League match against Watford

"I think it's becoming ridiculous," Moyes, who has argued that Carroll is often the victim, said: "A couple of times people climbed over Andy and fouled him. And all it was was, 'No that's OK, if it's Andy it's fine for that to go on'.

"Just before he was booked, he was scythed by two people. If it been anyone else they would have gone down and taken a free-kick. Andy didn't.

"We are in a country which wants to rule out simulation. But he stays up and is hit by two people and gets zero protection.

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"Every time Andy plays is everyone going to say, 'That's a foul'? If they do then we've got to say now that if you're six foot four you'd better go to basketball and stop being a centre-forward.

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"I'm telling you, you can only jump with your arms for leverage. It's my specialist subject. I was a centre-half. I needed to use my arms for protection. If we are now saying you can't use your arms for leverage then that isn't in the rules of football."

Live FNF

Moyes has confirmed Carroll will continue to lead the West Ham attack on Friday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League, despite an indifferent display during the side's 2-0 defeat against Watford at Vicarage Road.

The former Everton and Manchester United manager has also admitted he will not shy away from making his players aware if they are not reaching the heights he expects from them.

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"I think players need to be told," he added. "I've told the players here, if you're not doing it, I'm going to tell you.

"I did also tell them that when I stop shouting, you know you've got a problem. If I stop shouting at you, you know I've given up on you."

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