Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith cannot believe eyes live on air at West Ham United incident v Southampton
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was shocked at how long it took VAR to make a decision on Nayef Aguerd’s goal for West Ham against Southampton on Sunday (2 April).
The centre-back rose highest from a Thilo Kehrer free-kick to head the ball into the back of the net in the 25th minute and end a nervous atmosphere.
It was quickly ruled out for offside but was eventually awarded after a very lengthy check from the VAR officials despite it being very clear he was onside.
“Dear, oh dear,” Smith said live on Sky Sports Main Event [02 April, 02:28].
“This is where it is so frustrating for the fans in the stadium. It shouldn’t have taken so long.”
Clear frustration
There has been massive frustration in and around the London Stadium this season as the Hammers have endured a very miserable Premier League campaign, with tension in the crowd palpable against the Saints.
But that frustration grew even further when those supporters were forced to wait for an age to see if Aguerd’s goal would be allowed or not.
David Moyes’ side have been nowhere near their best this season, and that is particularly true when it comes to set pieces.
But the coaching staff will have been delighted to see defensive ace Aguerd head home from a long and direct Kehrer free-kick.
Their joy quickly turned to frustration with the offside flag, with VAR then producing one of the longest checks in recent memory to finally award the goal.
Moyes and his coaching staff wheeled away in delight at the decision, but VAR clearly still has some issues that will need to be ironed out for the technology to remain free of criticism next season.
West Ham were on the right side of VAR in this instance, but the process absolutely needs to be sped up to be brought in line with other European nations and at international level.