Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson highlights Leeds United clash to slam VAR

FORMER Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled VAR "a disaster" and highlighted Leeds United's clash against Burnley as an example of "unbelievable" rulings.
By Lee Sobot
Published 6th Jan 2021, 12:13 BST
Updated 6th Jan 2021, 12:34 BST
'DISASTER': Sir Alex Ferguson's view on VAR with the former Manchester United boss, above, highlighting Burnley's disallowed goal against Leeds United as an example. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images.'DISASTER': Sir Alex Ferguson's view on VAR with the former Manchester United boss, above, highlighting Burnley's disallowed goal against Leeds United as an example. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images.
'DISASTER': Sir Alex Ferguson's view on VAR with the former Manchester United boss, above, highlighting Burnley's disallowed goal against Leeds United as an example. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images.

Speaking to a national newspaper this week, Ferguson highlighted Burnley's 1-0 reverse against Leeds in December's Premier League clash at Elland Road in which Patrick Bamford's fifth-minute penalty proved the only goal of the game.

Ashley Barnes looked to have drawn the Clarets level when walloping home a half volley in the 17th minute after Whites 'keeper Illan Meslier had dropped a free-kick.

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But Referee Rob Jones blew his whistle to award Leeds a free-kick, ruling that Burnley's Ben Mee had fouled Meslier despite having his back to goal.

The decision incensed Clarets boss Sean Dyche who felt VAR should have been able to intervene and either allow the goal to stand or indeed award the Clarets a penalty amidst suggestions that Meslier appeared to have actually fouled Mee by kneeing him in the back.

Ferguson was among those watching the contest and used the incident as an example in expressing his dissatisfaction with VAR.

"It’s a bloody disaster," Ferguson told the Daily Mail.

"I watched the Leeds versus Burnley game the other week — Burnley had a goal disallowed when their own player was fouled by the goalkeeper. Unbelievable."

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Related topics:Alex FergusonManchester UnitedVARBurnleyIllan MeslierSean DychePremier League

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