Legendary Ex Arsenal Manager Slams Use Of VAR Penalty In Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona Champions League Classic: 'Against Using Slow Motion In VAR'
Legendary Ex Arsenal Manager Slams Use Of VAR Penalty In Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona Champions League Classic: 'Against Using Slow Motion In VAR'
Arsene Wenger blasted the use of VAR after last night's Champions League showdown between Inter Milan and Barcelona.
During an interview with Spanish outlet Marca via FCInterNews, the iconic Arsenal manager spoke his mind about VAR.
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Currently operating as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger was harsh in his assessment of technology.
Last night's game at San Siro brimmed with goals, drama, and controversial moments.
Indeed, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak had his hands full.
To begin with, he refused not to hand Inter a penalty toward the end of the first half.
Pau Cubarsi tackled Lautaro Martinez to the ground inside the box.
However, Marciniak waved play on before receiving a call from the VAR booth to review the incident on the side-pitch monitor.
Interestingly, it took him only a glance to change his mind and point to the spot.
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Hakan Calhanoglu found the net to put Inter 2-0 up at halftime.
Yet, Barcelona turned the match on its head and made it 3-2, only for Inter to win in the most incredible circumstances.
Arsene Wenger Slams VAR After Inter Milan vs Barcelona Penalty Controversy
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Arsène Wenger attends the Women's Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal)
Marciniak's decision to penalize Cubarsi's challenge on Lautaro didn't sit well with Wenger.
Indeed, the legendary Frenchman offered his view on the current use of technology in football.
'I'm totally against this kind of penalty. And I'm totally against using VAR in slow motion.
'At normal speed, Cubarsi's challenge was a fantastic intervention.
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'Look at what Lautaro Martínez does. He knows he won't score and plays for contact with Cubarsí. He is looking for the penalty.
'In my opinion, the referee didn't make the right call.
'What matters to me is who gets to the ball first, and it's Cubarsi. Lautaro does the rest.'
Nonetheless, Inter are through to the final for the second time in three years and will challenge for the title in late May.
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