Rice anger as football becomes a video game

Mild-mannered Declan Rice told it as it is – players don’t want VAR – although he may have been better off pointing his finger at the new handball rule which is a total joke and presumably the invention of those who have never played the game!

After Robert Snodgrass’ injury-time effort was ruled out because the ball struck Rice’s arm in the build-up – or more explicitly was headed into his arm – Rice made his feelings very clear.

Speaking to Sky Sports, added: “I’ve just watched it back. He has knocked the ball into my hand. If you are running with your arms like that with the rules as they are now it is handball, but it is not intentional. It is a kick in the teeth.

“I think they are the thoughts of every Premier League player, not just me – pretty much everyone doesn’t want VAR in the game.

“There have been so many decisions this season that have been absolutely crazy. They were celebrating VAR like it was a goal and football should not be like that.”

VAR has big drawbacks as everybody knows but this new handball rule is just entirely obnoxious and has been responsible for at least three lost Hammers goals this season via Michail Antonio and now Rice.

It should always be the referee’s job to spot deliberate handball rather than be the victim of a rule which says that whenever it hits the hand – accidentally or otherwise – it’s handball. It leaves the official nowhere to go whatever his personal feelings.

Ludicrous, and we may soon be are approaching the point where referees aren’t going to be needed at all. Rice had made a brilliant run to set the goal up for Snodgrass and to have the ball headed into his arm and then seeing it ruled out is really the injustice of injustices.

Call me an excuse maker for defeat if you want, I don’t care – this is just wrong and the rule makers are killing the game.

It’s simply becoming a video game!