If the Hammers are to qualify for another year of European football next season, forward Michail Antonio could face a UEFA ban and be sidelined due to the comments he made about the officials after West Ham’s second leg of the Europa League quarter final against Bayer Leverkusen.

David Moyes side lost the first leg of the tie 2-0 away in Germany. However the Hammers put up a valiant effort in the return leg at the London Stadium against Leverkusen, a side who have recently been crowned German champions and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Michail Antonio’s early goal gave Hammers fans hope that what seemed an impossible task may well be possible and that West Ham could be the first team to claim a win against Xabi Alonso’s side. Jeremie Frimpong’s late strike, which deflected off of Aaron Cresswell sealed Leverkusen’s place in the Europa League semi finals where they will play AS Roma.

Although a draw was not enough and West Ham’s European journey has come to an end for the time being, David Moyes’ side were rightly applauded off the pitch having given their all over the 90 minutes.

As was reported in the Daily Mirror, Jamaican international Antonio was less than impressed with referee Jose Maria Sanchez’s display and pulled no punches with his comments after the match. Speaking after the game Antonio said: “It felt like I didn’t get a decision all game. I felt a bit frustrated. We felt like we deserved more.” Going on to add: “It doesn’t feel like you’re playing against 11 men, it feels like you’re playing against 13 or 14 including the two linos. You have to keep pushing and try and make the decisions go your way, but they just weren’t.”

These comments have landed Antonio in potential hot water. If West Ham qualify for another season of European football then Antonio could face a ban from UEFA next season. Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez booked 11 players in total and sent off one staff member from each bench, manager David Moyes also expressed his frustration at the officiating post match saying: “If that’s the way it is in Spain, you wouldn’t want to watch too much Spanish football.”