VAR controversy sparks criticism of football's 'sterile' nature
Burnley boss Scott Parker and other managers condemn late VAR decisions after key Premier League matches, warning the technology is eroding football's spontaneity.
Burnley boss Scott Parker warned that VAR is turning football into "the most sterile game there is" after his team conceded a stoppage-time penalty in a 3-2 loss at Manchester United.
Controversial late penalty
Referee Sam Barrott initially waved away United's appeals when Jaidon Anthony appeared to tug Amad Diallo's shirt outside the box. After a pitchside review, Barrott awarded a spot-kick, which Bruno Fernandes converted to snatch victory.
Earlier, Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, prompting Parker to lament: "We're months away from not celebrating goals. You score and immediately you think: Was it offside?"
VAR drama in Chelsea win
In Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fulham, Josh King's strike was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, and Enzo Fernandez scored from the spot after Trevoh Chalobah's cross hit Ryan Sessegnon's arm. Fulham manager Marco Silva described the decisions as "unbelievable" and "difficult to understand."
Calls for ex-players in VAR rooms
Former defender Stephen Warnock argued that VAR officials lack the game's nuances and urged the inclusion of ex-players to improve decisions. He said: "People are fed up with VAR and the forensics of VAR. Whichever way you look at it, the game's going backwards."
VAR decisions continue to dominate discussions, prompting calls to reform the system to preserve football's spontaneity.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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