Wilder calls for changes after VAR controversy

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, admitted he was sick of VAR after his team became the victims of the latest controversy that has prompted more widespread criticism.

David McGoldrick had a goal ruled out for offside against John Lundstram during United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, which the video assistant referee took 3 min 47 sec to check.

Gary Lineker, the Match of the Day host and former Spurs striker, was quick to criticise the decision by video referee Jon Moss, posting a message on Twitter that read: “VAR at its absurd worst. WTF are they doing to our game?”

Lineker later suggested that any incident that cannot be ruled on by VAR in 30 seconds should not be overturned because it could not be deemed clear and obvious.

Wilder, who had been to a meeting of Premier League managers on VAR ahead of the Spurs game, was asked if he was sick of having to talk about it.

He replied: “One hundred per cent. It does seem before and after every game, it’s the major talking point. They are going into that much time, depth and detail. It’s changed the game.

“Certain aspects of it [are spoiling the game]. You have to go through the process and definitely have a big look at it in the summer.

“No doubt, it’s going to be here to stay. But there were always going to be these issues and it’s going to have to run its course.”

On the decision against Lundstram, Wilder added: “We’ve looked at it and we went to a meeting on Thursday and we talked about the line coming down from his armpit, but our analysis guys say it was John’s big toe.

“There is just a bit of confusion from our view as to when is the reset?

“The length of that stoppage doesn’t do anyone any good, from managers to players to, most importantly, the supporters. Was it clear and obvious? No.”