Wayne Rooney launched a furious attack on “horrendous” VAR after Manchester United were denied in their controversial derby defeat by Manchester City.
The former United captain admitted he was “sick” of the technology following a contentious decision which allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand at Old Trafford.
City claimed a 1-0 victory despite playing with 10 men after Phil Foden was dismissed.
Haaland’s decisive effort was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR check established that the Norwegian had timed his run correctly.
However, United were incensed because Enzo Fernandez had been standing in an offside position and appeared to affect Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens as they attempted to defend the attack.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney delivered a damning verdict on both the decision and VAR’s wider impact on football.
“I’m so sick of VAR, it’s horrendous,” the 40-year-old said.
“It takes all the emotion out the game, the energy that the game is played with.
Wayne Rooney launched a furious attack on “horrendous” VAR after Manchester United were denied in their controversial derby defeat by Manchester City
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BBC
“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.”
Refereeing body Pro Ref subsequently contacted Manchester United and acknowledged that the VAR had made an error of judgement.
Its statement explained that Fernandez had not touched the ball, meaning any potential offside offence became a subjective decision.
Erling Haaland’s goal saw Manchester City pick up all three points against Manchester United | PA
However, Pro Ref accepted that the video official had failed to identify the likely effect of the midfielder’s position and should have advised the referee to conduct an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement,” the statement added.
“A review of the incident will take place.”
United manager Michael Carrick was equally furious and described the explanation he received after the final whistle as “staggering”.
“I’m confused,” Carrick said. “We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision.
“If that’s the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that’s really worrying for me.”
The controversy followed Foden’s dismissal in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes after the United captain appeared to catch him first.
City boss Enzo Maresca argued that both players should have been sent off, but Rooney believed neither incident merited a dismissal.
Michael Carrick was frustrated after Man Utd’s defeat to Man City on Sunday
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GETTY
“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,” Rooney said.
“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.”
