Peter Schmeichel has called for VAR to be scrapped after Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
The former United goalkeeper criticised the technology after Haaland’s goal was awarded following a lengthy review, despite the striker initially being flagged offside at Old Trafford.
Pro Ref later admitted that VAR officials made an “error of judgement” by failing to recommend an on-field review over Enzo Fernández’s involvement in the move.
Schmeichel attacks VAR
Schmeichel, who made 292 appearances for United, said VAR has taken too much emotion out of football since its introduction to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season.
“I wish that we could scrap VAR,” Schmeichel said during punditry duties with Viaplay.
“We’ve got into a system now where VAR and the referees are the most important people in football. It sucks all the energy out of it. As soon as there is a goal, you’re not allowed to celebrate.”
The former Denmark international also questioned the effect of delayed decisions on supporters and players.
“The ball goes in the back of the net, it’s a goal, but then the linesman puts his flag up for offside,” he added.
“I wish, and I’m longing for these days, we could scrap VAR because it’s such an annoyance and it’s interfering with football. And it hasn’t made it better.”
Controversial decision decides derby
Haaland turned in Josko Gvardiol’s cross at the far post in the 60th minute, but the goal was initially disallowed for offside.
VAR determined that Haaland had been kept onside by Patrick Dorgu’s boot and overturned the decision. However, Fernández was in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball without making contact.
The Premier League Match Centre said Fernández did not play the ball and therefore did not commit an offside offence.
Pro Ref subsequently acknowledged that VAR had failed to recognise the likely impact of Fernández’s position and should have sent referee Michael Oliver to the monitor.
Former United defender Gary Neville also questioned the decision, saying he expected officials to eventually recognise that they had got it wrong.
The goal proved decisive as City held on for victory despite playing with 10 men for more than 70 minutes following Phil Foden’s first-half dismissal.
