Richard Dunne has launched a scathing attack on the ‘soft’ state of modern officiating after West Ham were denied a dramatic point against Arsenal last weekend, insisting that VAR is stripping the game of its essential physicality.
The Hammers thought they had snatched a share of the spoils at the death when Callum Wilson bundled the ball home, only for the technical officials at Stockley Park to intervene and chalk off the goal for a supposed foul in the build-up.
It was a decision that left the visiting side fuming, while the Gunners were left elated after extending their lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Dunne, however, hasn’t held back in his assessment of the officiating with the former City captain furious that the goal was allowed to stand.
"It was a soft call by the referee and VAR to disallow the goal," he exclusively told GB News, via BetGoodwin.
"The referee gave the goal and with everything going on in the penalty area, I felt it was a soft call to overturn it.'
Dunne, a man who made a career out of the 'dark arts' of defending, believes the current implementation of technology is failing to account for the natural chaos of a set-piece.
Richard Dunne has launched a scathing attack on the ‘soft’ state of modern officiating after West Ham were denied a dramatic point against Arsenal last weekend, insisting that VAR is stripping the game of its essential physicality
|GETTY
"It’s the inconsistency that is a concern here," the former Republic of Ireland star added.
"We need more consistency with decisions like this when you have goals from corners and pulling and holding going on by both teams in the penalty area.
"As a defender, you have to be strong in these moments and also the goalkeeper too.
Callum Wilson had a late goal disallowed by VAR in West Ham's match with Arsenal | GETTYLATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS"It was a little soft to be honest. I hope more consistency happens with VAR in the future."
While the VAR storm rages on, City are currently preparing for their FA Cup final clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
There are, however, growing rumours that Pep Guardiola could leave at the end of the season after a decade of unprecedented dominance at the Etihad Stadium.
Dunne, though, is confident that the "buzz" hasn't left the building.
In fact, he believes the emergence of a new-look City squad has revitalised the manager.
"I think Pep will stay," Dunne insisted.
Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City remains uncertain
| REUTERS"You saw the celebrations after the Carabao Cup final [in February], he looks hungry to continue winning.
"I also think the FA Cup final is a big trophy to win and Pep looks right up for this one too."
Despite the high-profile exits of legends like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, Dunne believes Guardiola is enamoured with the 'special' project he is currently building.
City’s recruitment has shifted gears, and the former skipper thinks the current crop, including the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi, and the mercurial Rayan Cherki, has given Guardiola a reason to believe the Premier League trophy will be staying in East Manchester.
"The current squad are improving now after losing key players,' Dunne said.
"With Semenyo, Guehi, and Cherki along with Jeremy Doku, they are all looking really good. He can believe that City can push for another Premier League next season.
"Defensively, Abdukodir Khusanov has improved and looks really good, and also Nico O'Reilly is a special player. With all this, I think Pep stays for another season as he still has the buzz."