West Ham midfielder, Declan rice says no Premier League players want the VAR system used after his side were denied a late equalizer at Sheffield United.
Robert Snodgrass’ injury-time effort was ruled out by VAR because the ball struck Rice’s arm in the build-up.
David Moyes also insisted on the goal which would have made the score 1-1 should have counted.
“We are fuming. All the lads are livid.” Said Rice.
The law regarding handball states any goal scored or created with the use of hand or arm will be disallowed. Even if it is accidental.
Rice said, “I’ve just watched it back. He has knocked the ball into my hand. If you are running with your arms like that with the rules as they are now it is handball. But it is not intentional. It is a kick in the teeth.”
“I think they are the thoughts of the Premier League players. Not just me. There have been so many decisions this season that has been absolutely crazy. They were celebrating VAR like it was a goal and football should not be like that.”
Moyes, who suffered his first defeat since returning as West Ham manager says it was “a really good goal.”
“Anybody who has played football or been around the game knows it was a good goal.”
“From my point of view and the people who watch football, the decision is not right.”
‘I wouldn’t say I’m a great fan of VAR. But we are having to come to terms with it. People who have played football know when it is not right and tonight is one of those situations.”
Moyes added, “whoever checked it I think got it wrong because it was a really good bit of play by Declan Rice. Where would you put your hands, tie them behind your back?”
“Blame the handball law, not VAR”
The handball law was changed after some high-profile goals were scored by the accidental use of a hand last season.
Former England striker, Michael Owen says players should “stop lazily blaming VAR for everything” as it “simply enforces these new rule changes.”
Moyes, on the other hand, says there is a movement to change the handball rule and believes the International Football Association Board (IFAB) should be looking at the law.
“At the moment there is a big campaign to try and change this ruling.” He said.
“You could say they are trying to change the offside rule as well. There are lots of things we are not comfortable with.”
“There is part of it where it can hit another defender’s arm and it won’t count as a penalty kick.”
“I would be surprised if people in IFAB weren’t ex-managers or ex-players. But it looks like it is a law that nobody is really enjoying that much.”
Gary Neville also says it is a law he doesn’t think “any professional footballer current or former wants in the game.”
“VAR has nothing to do with that goal. I am not defending VAR but it spots it and applies the rule of the game.”