Man Utd backed over VAR complaint with Premier League refs ‘only getting worse’ | Football | Sport
Alan Shearer has criticised the “terrible” quality of refereeing in the Premier League after Manchester United became the most recent team to express frustration over VAR’s inconsistencies. United intend to lodge a complaint with the PGMOL following what they perceive as an unfair decision in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday evening. Michael Carrick labelled it as “mental” and “astonishing” that referee Stuart Attwell and the VAR didn’t award a penalty for Adrien Truffert’s tackle on Amad Diallo.
Attwell dismissed the appeal and Bournemouth immediately counter-attacked to equalise 1-1 through Ryan Christie. United took a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot after Alex Jimenez fouled Matheus Cunha, whilst Harry Maguire received a straight red card for knocking over Evanilson in the box. However, Truffert’s pull on Amad was “not sufficient for a foul”, according to the Premier League Match Centre.
Bruno Fernandes believed VAR should have reversed Attwell’s initial decision and United plan to write to PGMOL head Howard Webb to express their dissatisfaction. Shearer, one of VAR’s sternest critics, supported United’s frustrations on Saturday morning.
“You remember all those years ago when it was wheeled out to say that they are not going to re-referee and it was only for clear and obvious things, but it could not have gone further south than that even if they tried,” the Premier League legend said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I just think it’s been terrible and the standard of referees because of VAR are the worst we have seen for a long time and they are only getting worse.
“Last night was a poor decision from it. You should have given a penalty when you have already given two like that. How on earth do you not give another one? They are too reliant on it and it’s affecting the standard of refereeing now, and it’s not a good look.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock then added: “I think it’s [VAR] the worst thing that has been introduced to the game. I think it has ruined it. It’s ruined the enjoyment in stadiums. I think it’s ruined it for referees to officiate. I think that it’s a little bit of a safety blanket every time they referee.
“You talked about Brighton winning four out of five, they should have got a draw against Arsenal, and, PGMOL have come out and said they made a mistake and Brighton should have had a penalty.
“So VAR isn’t perfect, it isn’t great, it makes mistakes and it’s still subjective which is a huge problem, and I just think it’s a poor addition to the game.”
