Gary Lineker mocks David Moyes in VAR swipe on BBC
Gary Lineker made light of Fabian Balbuena’s red card for West Ham against Chelsea in a VAR-related joke on the BBC before Wolves versus Burnley on Sunday.
Balbuena’s dismissal at the London Stadium on Saturday has received widespread condemnation with fans and pundits angry that the Paraguyuan was handed his marching orders for a challenge on Ben Chilwell, despite clearly winning the ball first.
The incident initially went without rebuke but after the VAR asked referee Chris Kavanagh to take a second look on the pitchside monitor, the Irons defender was sent off.
There was drama before the beginning of the bottom-half clash between Wolves and Burnley on Sunday afternoon, with a fire alarm ringing at the VAR HQ around Stockley Park.
Lineker was hosting the live coverage on BBC One [11:45, 25/04/21] alongside Danny Murphy, who said it was “phenomenal news”, poking fun at the prospect of no VAR and thus no camera controversy.
That was followed by a small quip by Lineker, who replied, “Rumours that David Moyes was seen outside with a box of matches are grossly exaggerated at this stage.”
Less than impressed
We don’t think Moyes will go quite as far as to pitch up at Stockley Park and vent his anger but there’s no doubt he is a man seething this weekend.
He told Sky Sports [24/04/21] after the game that it was a “really rank, rotten decision” and who can blame him.
There was very little Balbuena could do, he won the ball fairly and the follow-through was just unfortunate and there appeared to be very little spite from his side.
It’s a decision that is sure to rankle with Moyes for some time and no doubt he will be reminding the Premier League and refereeing authorities come the end of the season if it ends up costing us a place in Europe.
Linekere might be able to have some fun with his gags but we doubt Moyes will enjoy being the butt of the joke for too long.
In other West Ham news, Irons in hunt to sign ‘Incredible’ £20m-rated ace from cash-strapped side, player wants PL move.
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