Oli McBurnie’s goal earned Sheffield United a 1-0 home win over West Ham United but they needed a stoppage-time VAR intervention to secure the points that moved them to fifth place in the Premier League on Friday, reports Reuters.
After a dismal opening period, the hosts were far livelier after the break and McBurnie tapped home after a mix-up between West Ham’s substitute keeper David Martin and defender Fabian Balbuena in the 53rd minute.
West Ham thought they had equalised in stoppage time when Robert Snodgrass fired home but a VAR check harshly ruled that Declan Rice had handled the ball in the
build-up.It was a let-off for Chris Wilder’s side as the ball was headed against the on-running Rice’s arm by a Sheffield’s John Egan before the midfielder played in substitute Snodgrass.
“We’re fuming, we’re livid,” Rice said. “It’s tough to take. He knocked the ball into my hand. There was no intention, it’s a real kick in the teeth. I think it’s the thought of every Premier League player, we don’t want to have VAR in the game.” Sheffield United moved up three places into fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.