VAR kicked off the new year as it ended the last by sparking absolute fury from disgruntled fans after Aston Villa had a goal ruled out in “ridiculous” circumstances.
Jack Grealish thought he’d given the Villans the lead early in their New Year’s Day clash with Burnley.
Aston Villa had a goal ruled out with Grealish’s heel seen to be offside
Jack Grealish could scarcely believe his goal was chalked offCredit: Reuters
But the English star was denied his opener as team-mate Wesley was adjudged to have strayed beyond the last man.
But fans, including Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker, were left fuming as official VAR footage showed a mere sliver of the forward’s raised heel was over the line.
To the naked eye, there was absolutely nothing in it whatsoever, with one viewer calling it the “worst” VAR decision of all time.
In a series of angry tweets, Lineker wrote: “New Year, same old: although it was nearly 2021 before VAR ruled out @JackGrealish1’s header.”
After seeing how fine the margin – if any at all – was, he continued: “What fresh hell is this?
“I never, ever thought I’d say this, but I genuinely feel sorry for the referees assistants.
“They’re pretty darn good at what they do and are being dreadfully undermined. Remember, level is onside.”
PATHETIC
And the ever-outspoken Morgan called it “pathetic”, tweeting: “VAR off to a cracking new year – another pathetic decision.
“When will administrators stop this madness?”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England goalkeeper Rob Green moaned: “VAR is not right, it’s clearly not right.
“Let’s go to other sports and see how they have got it right.”
Times writer Henry Winter bemoaned the implementation of VAR, reminding officials it’s meant to be used for marginal calls.
Winter wrote: “VAR starting 2020 showing why it needs to return to original aim. Clear/obvious.
“Grealish goal ruled out for fractional Wesley offside in #BURAVL.
“Who believes decision by technician quickly drawing lines is 100% accurate apart from PGMOL? Game’s about goalscorers not Mike Riley.”
And they were joined by thousands of angry fans, launching into X-rated tweets criticising the technology.
Aston Villa did go on to grab an opener shortly afterwards, as Wesley converted following some smart link-up play with Grealish.
Midfield star Grealish then finally got on the scoresheet himself on the stroke of half time after he rattled a shot past Nick Pope in the Burnley goal.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
