Wayne Rooney calls for major VAR change after Liverpool-Man City chaos

The former Manchester United and Everton star was scathing of the use of VAR in the Premier League, but he believes the correct decision was still made in the end after the Liverpool vs. Manchester City chaos

Wayne Rooney wants VAR to be scrapped(Image: Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has called for the Premier League to scrap VAR, branding the system as "terrible" and arguing that it's spoiling the beautiful game.

Rooney didn't hold back in his criticism following the confusion at the end of Sunday's Liverpool vs. Manchester City match at Anfield, particularly regarding Rayan Cherki's disallowed goal deep into injury time. The exciting match ended in controversy when Cherki's goal from inside his own half was disallowed.

Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed play to continue when Dominik Szoboszlai fouled Erling Haaland as he chased the ball heading toward the goal, before Haaland then fouled the Liverpool midfielder, who seemed likely to reach Cherki's shot and clear it.

Pawson appeared ready to award the goal, until VAR stepped in, overruling Cherki's effort and instead deciding to send off Szoboszlai. As a result, he will miss Liverpool's midweek match at Sunderland.

According to the current rules of the game, the correct decision was made, even if it lacked a bit of common sense.

However, former Manchester United, Everton and England star Rooney maintains that drastic measures are needed, and that VAR should be abolished.

There was a controversial moment during Sunday's game between Liverpool and Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking on 'The Wayne Rooney Show' podcast, he said: "Yeah, it's definitely the right decision in the end, but it's obviously frustrating.

"Once you look at the rules, you understand why it's given (the free kick), but it just takes out all the passion.

"I think I'd prefer not to have VAR, because I think it's terrible.

"I think it gets good decisions, of course it does, but when it gets big decisions wrong, in this case it hasn't, but when it gets big decisions wrong, then I just think it's there to get decisions right.

"Ultimately, it needs to be doing that more than what it is, in my opinion.

"I've lost the Premier League title on goal difference, so that (ruled out) goal might make a big difference. It was a fun moment - and it's obviously been taken away from us."

Liverpool is set to visit the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, where Regis Le Bris' Sunderland players remain unbeaten this season.

As Reds captain Virgil van Dijk puts it, "we need better performances and finding ways to win."