Alan Shearer stated that Mike Riley has already called up Everton boss, Frank Lampard, to apologise for wrong VAR calls after the ‘pathetic’ decision during Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Newcastle United on Sunday, as he told Premier League Productions.
The former Newcastle striker was left seething at the ‘disgraceful’ VAR call that resulted in Chelsea defender, Trevoh Chalobah, getting away with pulling down and fouling Jacob Murphy in the penalty area.
At that time, both teams were goalless, and what made matters worse, is that Kai Havertz went on to score the winning goal late on.
The German was also involved in controversy because he probably should have been sent off for his elbow on Dan Burn in the first half.
Either way, Shearer wasn’t happy at that costly VAR call, as he made reference to Riley’s recent call with Lampard.
“I thought it was a disgraceful decision,” said Shearer. “How much more does a defender have to pull on a shirt? Not once, not twice. He doesn’t let go of it. A clear penalty. Shocking decision.
“We have seen Mike Riley ring up Frank Lampard and apologise. We have seen a decision when Liverpool didn’t get the red card. And this decision. It’s a ridiculous decision. Pathetic. Shocking.
“I like the system VAR. But, for the life of me, I can’t understand what they are doing when they are thinking they are running it correctly. They are not. We have seen that decision that led to Frank Lampard getting a call for an apology.
“Come on! It’s nonsensical. It’s pathetic – that decision has cost Newcastle. It’s cost them a point. They deserved it. You work your socks off as a player to go there, to work hard and be tight as a unit. You prepare and then you are let down by officials and a VAR system. It’s not good enough.”
During Man City’s 1-0 win at Everton at the start of this month, Rodri handled the ball in the penalty area late on in the game.
But, both the on-field referee and VAR, decided against awarding a spot-kick, despite it being obvious that it was handball.
That resulted in the PGMOL director, Riley, issuing an apology to Everton boss Lampard and the club’s chairman, Bill Kenwright.
Perhaps Eddie Howe should be on the phone to Riley because his side didn’t deserve to lose that game at Stamford Bridge.
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