USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams subject of VAR controversy after fluke handball gifts West Ham penalty in Bournemouth draw

In the 85th minute of Bournemouth's clash with West Ham on Monday, U.S. international Tyler Adams was called for a handball offense, leading to a penalty kick scored by the Hammers Lucas Paqueta. However, the call was subject to a lengthy VAR review -- and has since stirred up controversy regarding the decision due to the flukey nature of the call.

In a 1v1 near the edge of the box, West Ham's Aaron Wan Bissaka delivered a ball across the box, only for it to flick off the fingertips of Adams -- despite him leaning out of the way of the ball. However, VAR deemed the mistake by the American to be a handball offense, and Paqueta did not miss his ensuing penalty attempt.

Adams misfortune - luckily - did not lead to Bournemouth suffering a loss Monday. Minutes after Paqueta's penalty, the Cherries were handed an opportunity of their own, with a free kick just outside the 18-yard-box. Striker Enes Unal stepped up, curling home a stupendous curling effort to draw level in the 90th minute.

The goal earned Bournemouth a point, and they end the Matchday in sixth in the Premier League as a result, with their fourth-straight match unbeaten.

Adams, meanwhile, arrived off the bench in the 66th minute, completing 21 of his 23 passes while managing 28 touches on the ball.

The Cherries are back in action on Sunday against Manchester United, before they clash with Crystal Palace on Boxing Day. They wrap up the calendar year with a Dec. 29 match against Fulham.