Wayne Rooney says football should 'call it a day with VAR' after controversial Crystal Palace goal
Quick summary
Wayne Rooney has called for VAR to be scrapped following a controversial Crystal Palace goal, joining a growing chorus of criticism against the technology.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSpeaking on Match of the Day, Wayne Rooney says VAR made the wrong decision in awarding Crystal Palace their second goal, which saw the home side take the lead as they went on to beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the Premier League.
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What happened
Former England captain and manager Wayne Rooney has publicly urged football authorities to 'call it a day with VAR' after a disputed Crystal Palace goal sparked fresh debate about the technology. The video assistant referee system has faced mounting criticism this season for inconsistent application and lengthy stoppages. Rooney's comments add a high-profile voice to the ongoing conversation about whether VAR is improving or harming the game, particularly in the Premier League.
Chance analysis
Wayne Rooney's outspoken call to abandon VAR carries weight because of his profile as a former England captain and current manager, amplifying an already heated debate in English football. Controversial decisions involving Crystal Palace have repeatedly put officiating under the microscope, and Rooney's intervention reflects a broader frustration shared by players, managers, and fans. With multiple incidents this season undermining confidence in the system, the conversation is shifting from whether VAR needs reform to whether it should exist at all.
No direct on-pitch impact; reinforces the narrative of growing institutional pressure on PGMOL and the Premier League to address officiating standards.