Richard Keys claims the VAR gives umpires ‘an excuse’ to avoid tough decisions – and slams Simon Hooper for missing Andre Onana’s blatant foul at Old Trafford
Richard Keys claims the VAR gives umpires ‘an excuse’ to avoid tough decisions – and slams Simon Hooper for missing Andre Onana’s blatant foul at Old Trafford
Richard Keys has claimed the VAR is giving referees an excuse to avoid difficult decisions after Simon Hooper failed to award Wolves a clear penalty against Man United.
As the new goalkeeper, the Red Devils won a tight game 1-0 Andre Onana rushed out to snag a cross, then missed the ball and knocked out two Wolves attackers.
Hooper saw no problem with the try while VAR Michael Salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West did not intervene.
This resulted in the trio being ruled out of the next round of Premier League games, while Wolves received an apology for the error after the game.
For Keys, it’s about how VAR has changed the way umpires approach difficult decisions. He told BeIN Sports: “We don’t need a VAR when things are so clear and obvious.”
Simon Hooper failed to award Wolves a late penalty in their Premier League opener against Man United
United goalkeeper Andre Onana clearly knocked out two Wolves players but the referee was not sent to check his monitor
“You’re giving the referee an excuse.” My point is that he shouldn’t go and look because it was so clear we didn’t need a VAR.”
The expert then argued that Hooper was intimidated by the atmosphere at Old Trafford and that influenced his decision making.
“In COVID, with empty stadiums, [Hooper] “There is,” he said. “On the other end he gives that.” Staying at Old Trafford intimidates him.”
Andy Gray saw a different problem with VAR, arguing that referees should always be encouraged to check their monitors when a mistake has been made.
He argued: ‘[Referees] Make mistakes, we understand that, but if the VAR saw something, let the referee go and look at it.
“I don’t like it when the game is stopped, but when it’s so obvious the referee should look into it.”
Despite falling below their best against Wolves, United managed to win the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Raphael Varane.
The Red Devils will next meet Tottenham in the late kick-off, while Wolves are currently 2-0 down against Brighton.
Richard Keys has argued that the VAR “gives umpires an excuse” to avoid tough decisions