Rooney Supports VAR Decision in Arsenal, West Ham Clash

By Ekanem Asuquo 

Former Wayne Rooney has backed VAR’s decision to disallow West Ham United’s late equaliser against Arsenal F.C., insisting the officials reached the correct verdict in the high stakes Premier League encounter.

West Ham believed they had rescued a point when Callum Wilson scored deep into stoppage time. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review showed that Pablo Fornals fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the build up.

Arsenal held on to secure a 1-0 victory, opening a five point lead over Manchester City F.C. at the top of the Premier League table, while West Ham remained in the relegation zone.

Speaking on the “Wayne Rooney Show” as reported by BBC Sport, Rooney said the replay clearly showed contact on Raya which affected the goalkeeper’s ability to challenge for the ball.

He acknowledged that supporters would remain divided over the incident but maintained that the foul was obvious and the officials made the right call.

Rooney also praised VAR for handling such a decisive moment correctly, describing it as one of the rare occasions where the technology worked effectively in a major game.

Despite supporting the decision, the former Manchester United F.C. striker criticised the level of protection often given to goalkeepers, arguing that even minor contact usually results in fouls being awarded in their favour.