WAYNE ROONEY admitted that he’s “sick” of “horrendous” VAR after Manchester United’s controversial derby defeat to City.
The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by their ten-man rivals courtesy of Erling Haaland‘s controversial winner.
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Initially flagged for offside, the goal was allowed to stand when it was proven that Haaland had actually been on – despite Enzo Fernandez clearly interfering from an offside position moments earlier.
Man Utd boss Michael Carrick blasted the decision as “staggering” while Gary Neville claimed he was “lost” by the officials’ explanation.
After the match, Pro Ref confessed that their officials had made a mistake.
Appearing on Match of the Day, former United captain Rooney blasted the “baffling” decision.
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Rooney, 40, said: “I’m so sick of VAR, it’s horrendous. It takes all the emotion out the game, the energy that the game is played with.
“To not see that and recognise that Enzo Fernandez is in an offside position is… anyone that’s played the game at any level understands that and know he’s in an offside position.
“To get it so wrong is just baffling.”
Pro Ref’s statement read: “The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
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“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Carrick said: “I’m confused.
“We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision.
“It’s more worrying about if that’s the interpretation of football now.
“If that’s the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that’s really worrying for me. It’s a STAGGERING explanation.”
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City played most of the match a man down following Phil Foden’s 23rd minute red card.
Foden, 26, was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, after the Portuguese appeared to boot him first.
City boss Enzo Maresca was unhappy with the outcome, claiming that they both should have been dismissed.
Rooney, however, would rather have seen neither sent for an early bath.
The Match of the Day pundit added: “I can see why they’ve given the red card but as a football fan you don’t want to see a red card for that.
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“Phil Foden hasn’t kicked him with any amount of force. He’s almost just brushed him with the side of his leg.
“He hasn’t gone in with studs where he’s really going to hurt him. The sensible decision for me is two yellows.”
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