Rice: "It's not just the thoughts from me, it's the thoughts of every Premier League player, pretty much everyone doesn't want VAR in the game"
Saturday 11 January 2020 13:34, UK
Jamie Carragher called the handball rule that disallowed Robert Snodgrass’ equaliser "a joke", while Declan Rice has called for VAR to be scrapped.
West Ham were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United courtesy of Oli McBurnie's second-half goal.
However, there was late controversy as Snodgrass looked to have rescued a point in stoppage time but VAR ruled the goal out as the ball had been headed against Rice's arm in the build-up.
"We're fuming, livid," Rice told Sky Sports.
"He's knocked the ball against my hand. I was in a full running motion and he's headed the ball against my hand. Of course, if you're running like that and the ball hits your hand with the rule like it is it's handball, but I've not intentionally meant to handle it. VAR have checked it and disallowed the goal - it's a real kick in the teeth.
"It's not just the thoughts from me, it's the thoughts of every Premier League player, pretty much everyone doesn't want VAR in the game. There have been so many crazy decisions. Sometimes it works but you see fans celebrating VAR like it's a goal - football shouldn't be like that. The emotions the West Ham fans showed when we equalised was real emotion. We're all not happy with it but it's in the game now so we've got to get on with it."
The handball rule states that if a player gains control/possession of the ball after it has touched their hand/arm and then scores, or creates a goal-scoring opportunity then a free-kick will be awarded. It's a law that needs to be changed, according to Carragher.
"The handball rule now is a joke - an absolute joke," he said.
"There's no way goals like that should not be given. We talk about VAR but the rules on handball have to change. It's embarrassing that isn't given as a goal. No one knows inside the stadium what's gone on. There was no intention from Rice. I can understand if the ball goes in the net off the arm. Everyone at home will be shaking their heads, apart from Sheffield United fans."
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has seen seven VAR decisions go against his side this season, as opposed to only one in their favour. He had sympathy for his opposite number David Moyes.
"I feel for David and the players," said Wilder. "The same thing has happened to us a few times. But we would've been devastated if we'd have drawn that game.
"As soon as they scored, no one was looking at it (a possible handball) but I felt for the opposition - it's the same moans and groans as we've had in the past."
West Ham boss David Moyes believes the International Football Association Board (IFAB), who have their annual meeting in Belfast in February, should look at a law change.
"We aren't comfortable with it and at the moment there is a big campaign to try and change this ruling," Moyes said.
"There are lots of things we are not comfortable with. There is part of it where it can hit another defender's arm and it won't be a penalty. I could argue it wasn't even in the same phase.
"Declan broke through, then it hit his arm, then he went on again, then there were three defenders behind the ball. We've been very unlucky there.
"I would be surprised if there wasn't people in IFAB that weren't ex-managers or ex-players but it looks like it is a law that nobody is really enjoying that much."
