Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has called for the abolition of VAR. The former striker voiced his frustrations after his side's controversial defeat to Manchester City, where they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford.
The winning goal was scored by Erling Haaland in the second half, but the incident has sparked fierce debate. The linesman initially flagged for offside, only for VAR to recommend the goal be given. Replays indicated that Enzo was indeed offside and attempted to play the ball. Subsequently, the officiating team admitted to the mistake and issued an apology.
Rooney harshly criticised the decision of the video assistants in an interview with the Mirror.
It was definitely offside. Enzo's movement affected Martinez, and he was in an offside position.
I'm fed up with VAR. I think it's awful. It's robbing football of the passion and energy with which the game is played.
How could they not see this and understand that Enzo was offside? Anyone who has played football at any level knows this. Making such a blatant error is just bizarre.
Haaland's goal was not the only controversy at Old Trafford, as Phil Foden received a red card for striking Bruno Fernandes. City's manager, Enzo Maresca, acknowledged the sending-off was fair, but he argued that United's captain also deserved to be sent off for his involvement in the incident.
