Alan Shearer fumes at VAR controversy in West Ham loss v Chelsea
West Ham lost 2-1 against Chelsea in the Premier League clash on Saturday (3 September) at Stamford Bridge, and Alan Shearer was not happy with the major VAR controversy.
In the 90th minute, the Hammers thought they had equalised after Maxwel Cornet fired into the net, but it was ruled out after VAR check. David Moyes has described the decision as “scandalous”, while Declan Rice has described it as “shambles”.
Shearer said on BBC Match of the Day that it was “beyond terrible”, and questioned why the referee didn’t stick to his original decision.
“Before we start Gary, minimum interference, maximum benefit was what we were told when VAR was brought in. This decision we are about to see is as bad as a decision as you’re going to see,” said Shearer on BBC Match of the Day (3 September).
“They are told to stay out of it, VAR. There is no need to get involved in this. This is never, ever a foul. I don’t think anyone in the game who has played the game will agree with the VAR and the referee, Andy Madley.
“The keeper goes down because he realises he has made a mistake. He tried to get over him, he steps over him, Bowen. Doesn’t interfere with him whatsoever.
“Why doesn’t he stick to his decision? It’s a terrible, disgraceful decision. It’s beyond terrible.”
Spot on
Shearer has just nailed it. It was one of the most bizarre decisions that one would see, and it just robbed West Ham of a point here. Chelsea were really lucky.
It’s still beyond belief that the goal was not given, and Declan Rice has vented his frustration, and rightly so.
The first half was really cagey and both sides failed to create any clear-cut chances. Pablo Fornals tried his luck from distance, but apart from that there was hardly any opening.
The Hammers took the lead through Michail Antonio, but the Blues responded with two second-half goals.
Maxwel Cornet got a brilliant opportunity to equalise, but he could only direct his header onto the post.
However, it was an exquisite finish from Cornet but it was disallowed. It’s a shambolic decision, and the interference of VAR makes it even worse.
After a stuttering start, David Moyes’s side are gradually gaining confidence. The players have done well, with the substitutes responding well.