Peter Schmeichel has called for the Premier League to scrap VAR after another controversial Manchester derby, insisting the technology is taking away from what football is supposed to be about.
Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal, which was initially ruled out for offside before the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
The controversy has sparked plenty of criticism, and former United goalkeeper Schmeichel was particularly strong in his assessment of how VAR has changed the experience of watching the game.
Speaking to Viaplay, the Dane made it clear that he wants football to move away from technology.
Peter Schmeichel says VAR is draining the emotion from football
“I wish that we could scrap VAR,” Schmeichel said.
The former goalkeeper believes VAR has shifted too much attention towards referees and technology instead of the players and supporters.
“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.”
Schmeichel pointed to the confusion surrounding Haaland’s goal as another example of the problem. The ball went into the net, but the initial offside flag immediately stopped the celebrations before VAR intervened.
“We saw after five minutes, the players and the fans could celebrate, but it’s not the same. The ball goes in the back of the net, it’s a goal, but then the linesman puts his flag up for offside.”
“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.”
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