West Ham's 'fuming' Declan Rice says no-one in football wants VAR after Hammers' late 'equaliser' at Sheffield United is ruled out after video replays

West Ham's 'fuming' midfielder Declan Rice insists no-one in football wants VAR after the Hammers saw their late 'equaliser' at Sheffield United ruled out after video replays.
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Hammers sub Robert Snograss thought he had equalised for the visitors in the dying minutes of the game after finishing at the near post.

But a VAR check spotted a handball by Rice in the build-up to the goal, and so ruled it out – sparking jubilant scenes inside Bramall Lane, for the home fans at least.

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Rice gave credit to United in his post-match interview, but admitted he was “fuming… livid”.

Sheffield United's Enda Stevens (left) and West Ham United's Declan Rice battle for the ball: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.Sheffield United's Enda Stevens (left) and West Ham United's Declan Rice battle for the ball: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
Sheffield United's Enda Stevens (left) and West Ham United's Declan Rice battle for the ball: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

“Credit to them,” the England international said.

“They’ve been excellent all season and won the game. I thought we done well, we created chances and missed chances. The goal at the end is a tough one to take because a point on the road here would have been good for us.

"He’s knocked the ball against my hand. I was 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.

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"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."

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