West Ham expert rages at VAR officials as latest footage of Aston Villa controversy analysed
VAR officials were “embarrassing” during West Ham United’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday (17 March).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie was furious that Tomas Soucek’s stoppage time goal was disallowed after a five-minute and 37-second review – the longest in Premier League history.
Soucek was deemed by VAR to have handled the ball before it went into the back of the net, but outrage was sparked due to the lengthy decision-making process on display at the London Stadium.
The controversy caused manager David Moyes, whose side suffered similar incidents against Burnley and Frieburg this month, to confront referee Jarred Gillett after the full-time whistle.
West Ham expert seethes at “awful” VAR drama v Aston Villa
McAvennie claimed the implementation of VAR is “ruining the game” and so-called clear and obvious errors should not be taking so long to referee.
“It was embarrassing,” he told Football Insider.
“I thought VAR was for the clear and obvious, but they’re getting involved with everything.
“It’s not clear and obvious if it takes six minutes – it’s awful!
“It’s not just us who are getting impacted.
“We’re always talking about VAR rather than, say, how good West Ham are playing at the moment.
“It’s wrong and it’s taking away from what West Ham are doing at the moment.
“I get it, this is why David Moyes was so angry because they should have beaten Aston Villa.
“It’s ruining the game for me.”
In other news, First-team star could be offered new role to stay at West Ham – sources.
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