Dave Jones and Jamie Carragher were not happy on Monday Night Football after West Ham United striker Michail Antonio admitted that he is no longer exuberantly celebrating goals because of VAR.
Antonio bagged a brace for West Ham last night, but it was notable that his reaction was not as excitable as usual.
The West Ham striker was fairly calm after finding the back of the net after two occasions.
And he was asked whether his reaction owed to the fact that he was taking things so seriously, as West Ham are in the battle for a top four spot.
But Antonio said to the Sky Sports programme: “It’s not even that. I’ve had a couple of goals disallowed through VAR and I don’t want to be there doing the dancing and the goals disallowed. It’s a bit embarrassing.
“So I’ve toned down the celebrations because I was like, do you know what I don’t want to be doing those dances.”
That response certainly went down badly with the Sky punditry team, who have always enjoyed Antonio’s celebrations.
“So we’ve got another thing to blame VAR for, the celebrations,” Carragher said.
And Jones agreed, saying: “I have to say I’m really not happy about that. If that’s true, you’re stopping celebrating because of VAR.”
If West Ham do make the top four, then Antonio may not be able to restrain his celebrations on that occasion.
The Hammers’ win over Burnley last night has seen them move to within three points of the Champions League spots, with just four games remaining this term.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
