Shearer hits out at VAR after controversial decision saves Arsenal…

Shearer criticizes VAR following a controversial decision that benefits Arsenal.

Alan Shearer has expressed his discontent with VAR after a contentious decision helped Arsenal: ‘Where is the consistency?’

The choice made by VAR official Darren England to direct referee Chris Kavanagh to the monitor could be crucial in both the title race and the relegation battle.

Shearer has condemned the lack of consistent officiating after Arsenal’s disputed 1-0 victory against West Ham.

West Ham, fighting against relegation, had a stoppage-time equalizer from Callum Wilson ruled out due to a foul by Pablo on Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya.

The VAR review, during which Darren England assessed replays before sending Kavanagh to the screen, took more than four minutes.

On The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer concurred with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards that the officials ultimately made the correct decision, but he contended that VAR has not succeeded in eliminating inconsistencies in officiating.

“I suppose some will view it as a foul, while others won’t, and many will wonder, ‘Where is the consistency?’ because we witness similar situations every week,” Shearer remarked.

“I believe it was a foul, but I also think about the incident at Everton last week involving Bernardo Silva, which was deemed holding; clearly, the defender (Merlin Rohl) – where was VAR in that case?”

The former England captain continued: “We are constantly having this conversation; the process is taking far too long. I understand it’s a critical decision, but every decision is significant.

“Every supporter can provide a screenshot of a comparable incident that occurred this season where a foul was not called. That’s the source of the frustration.”

This decision deprived West Ham of a goal that could have secured them a vital point in their relegation battle, while Arsenal managed to remain five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the league.

Lineker remarked: “(It was) likely a foul, but that’s not exactly what they are meant to be, is it? If I were a supporter of West Ham, or even a Manchester City supporter, I believe I’d feel somewhat upset, as there was considerable fouling occurring at that corner.

“There was significant grappling by Arsenal players during the West Ham attacks. I understand that goalkeepers receive more protection than anyone else, and it was probably a foul against him, but should we not consider what transpired beforehand when players are being held, which is arguably a more apparent foul?”

Former England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney commended the officials for making the correct call.

While speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, he stated: “It’s an obvious foul. You can distinctly see the arm crossing (Raya’s) face, which affects his ability to reach the ball. Therefore, I believe it’s the correct decision.

“It’s the one occasion where I genuinely think VAR has performed exceptionally well in such a crucial match.