Wilder’s gripes too sour

THERE’S a raw, raucous feel to Bramall Lane in Sheffield United’s first season back in the Premier League.

Excitement, noise, anticipation and passion in a great old citycentre stadium.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have visited already and it’s felt fresh, new and something special to the locals – a tonic compared to the cynicism at many top-flight strugglers wearied by relegation battles and grumbling.

Which is precisely why boss Chris Wilder, his players and the home fans must not allow their frustrations and gripes with VAR decisions to tarnish this season.

Wilder allowed himself a long rant against VAR after seeing his side – with 73 per cent possession – somehow lose to Newcastle on Thursday night.

He said he was “drained” by the way video reviews have hampered his side this season, and said it was “sucking the life” out of his players.

It is true that United have had an up-and-down ride with VAR.

A goal disallowed at Tottenham, one upheld against Manchester United and now, against Newcastle, a linesman flagging, the defence pausing and Jonjo Shelvey going on to score, after a review.

But the correct calls are being made – including the Shelvey incident – when the defence should have played on.

There isn’t a conspiracy.

Wily Wilder has managed 1,000 games from non-league to top flight, and could just be using the old tactic of firing up players and fans.

But it was his language of resignation – “suck the life out”, “drained” – that was surprising.

The Blades are all about effervescence and endeavour and should get straight back to tweaking the noses of illustrious rivals with a joy few other clubs can muster.