Gary Lineker 'feels guilty' as he backtracks on VAR comments in latest rant

10 December 2023 , 14:47

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Gary Lineker 'feels guilty' as he backtracks on VAR comments in latest rant

Gary Lineker has hit out at VAR following Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, admitting he 'feels quite guilty' for advocating it in the first place.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was not happy with two decisions that went against his side during the game, suggesting they were 'clear and obvious' mistakes. Arsenal had a Kai Havertz goal ruled out for handball by referee Jarred Gillett, with VAR upholding the official's original decision.

VAR also agreed with Gillett when he decided not to award a penalty when Gabriel Jesus appeared to be clipped by Douglas Luiz in the penalty area. And on Match of the Day, ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright hit out at the decision to disallow Havertz's goal.

"The ball is so close to everybody," he fumed. "It's hit Matty Cash's hand, it's hit Havertz's hand, but the law says it cannot hit your hand anywhere and it's the most ridiculous law. The defenders can accidentally handball it but the forwards can't."

To which Lineker responded: "Why are we trying to stop goals? The people who make the laws of the game, why are they doing that? Really bizarre." Wright then continued: "It's ridiculous. The most ridiculous law in all of law, not just football law. All law in the whole world of law, the multiverse and everything. It's ridiculous."

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Lineker then admitted he was "definitely wrong" for thinking VAR would improve football when it was initially brought in, claiming the technology is now "spoiling the game". He said: "Well I have to say, I really don't like VAR very much anymore.

Kai Havertz controversially had a goal ruled out for handball against Aston Villa (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

"I was one of those that advocated for it and I actually feel quite guilty and I was definitely wrong. It's spoiling the game." Lineker also added on social media: "I got it wrong. My bad."

And Arteta was clearly unhappy with the two decisions, although the Spaniard was reluctant to publicly criticise the officials given he is still waiting to see if he will be punished for his furious rant following the Newcastle game last month.

When asked about the two incidents in his post-match press conference, Arteta simply replied: "Clear and obvious." When asked to clarify his comments, he added: "That's what I mean, clear and obvious. That's my opinion, that's all I can say. I will not speak about it anymore."

Matthew Cooper