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West Ham 'livid' after VAR hands victory to Blades

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AFP Sheffield (United Kingdom)
Last Updated : Jan 11 2020 | 10:40 AM IST

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice claimed "nobody wants VAR" in the Premier League after the controversial review system condemned his side to a dramatic 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Friday.

Trailing to Oliver McBurnie's second half striker, David Moyes' men thought they had snatched an equaliser in stoppage-time when Robert Snodgrass fired home from Rice's pass.

But, with West Ham celebrating wildly, the goal was checked by VAR and eventually ruled out for a handball by Rice.

The ball was headed against Rice's arm by a Blades player and, while the rule was correctly enforced, the England international was furious with the decision and VAR's continual influence on the Premier League this season.

"We are fuming. All the lads are livid. 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," Rice said.

"I think it is the thoughts of every Premier League player, not just me, pretty much every one doesn't want to have VAR in the game.

"There have been so many decisions this season that have been absolutely crazy. They were celebrating VAR like it was a goal and football should not be like that."
- 'It's not right' -
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"Whoever checked it I think got it wrong because it was a really good bit of play by Declan, where'd you put your hands, tie them behind your back?
"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's not right and tonight is one of those situations."

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First Published: Jan 11 2020 | 10:40 AM IST

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