Former FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett gave a positive reaction to West Ham United striker Michail Antonio’s complaints about VAR.
The Lowdown: Antonioās comments
The Hammers forward took to The Footballerās Football Podcast last week to shares his frustrations over the awful VAR decision that took place in his sideās clash against Chelsea.
In the dying moments of the game, Maxwel Cornet thought he had struck an equaliser for the Irons after he pounced on a mix-up between Reece James and Edouard Mendy.
Referee Andy Madley was then sent to the monitor by VAR official Jarred Gillet to observe an apparent challenge on the Chelsea goalkeeper by Jarrod Bowen. Consequently, the goal was disallowed.
Taking to the podcast after the incident, Antonio quite bluntly claimed that VAR should be ābinnedā.
The Latest: Hackettās claim
Whilst Hackett understands Antonioās frustrations with VAR, he believes the system is here to stay, but the Premier League need to get it right to avoid further mistakes.
Speaking with Football Insider, the former referee said:
āRealistically, is anybody happy with VAR and how it works in England? They canāt be after last weekend.
āAs Iāve said before, they have to get it right because they are not helping the game.
āFor me, I can understand why clubs and managers and players want to get rid of VAR.
āI think VAR is here to stay. The only way it would change is if the board of directors of the Premier League which is the 20 clubs do something.
āIf Steve Parish is able to convince the rest of the Premier League clubs to think they want to dump it.ā
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The Verdict: Doesnāt help West Ham
Despite PGMOLās acceptance that the VAR intervention to disallow West Hamās goal against Chelsea was wrong, the aftermath of the situation has in no way benefitted the east London club.
The Irons lost the game 2-1, with Cornetās goal disallowed as the equaliser.
In spite of a rocky start to the Premier League campaign, David Moyes will still be hoping his side can push for a top-six finish ā something the Hammers missed out on by two points last season.
The refereeās mistake could have a serious effect on that desire.
