Bukayo Saka Refuses To Discuss VAR After Declan Rice Goal Is Ruled Out

By The Editor
on 18th November 2023

Bukayo Saka seems tired of VAR discussions…

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka seemed tired of VAR and refused to discuss the officiating after Declan Rice had a wonderful goal ruled out in England’s 2-0 win against Malta.

Speaking to reporters after the game in the mixed zone, Saka was asked about VAR and the 22-year-old was visibly frustrated at the topic.

Arsenal are still in the headlines in terms of VAR after Mikel Arteta was charged by The FA this week for his comments in the wake of our defeat at Newcastle United earlier this month.

The FA deemed his comments as ‘bringing the game into disrepute’, even though the Spaniard only gave his assessment of the referee’s performance.

Rice fell victim to yet another controversial VAR intervention after his wonderful long-range effort was chalked off due to Harry Kane being adjudged to have interfered with play by blocking the goalkeeper’s sight.

The former Tottenham man wasn’t standing directly in front of the goalkeeper, and the Malta shot-stopper was still able to dive the right way and at full length.

“Honestly, let’s not make comments about VAR tonight,” a chuckling Saka said.

“I think let’s just focus on the win, the three points and be positive about it.”

“No, no. Even if I did I’m not going to say it now! He’s not a diver,” Saka said when asked about Kane being booked for diving after the Bayern man looked for a penalty.

“I think it was a clear penalty from what I saw. I thought even VAR would check it and overturn it but I don’t know what they saw.”

In terms of the domestic conversation about VAR, Arteta has until November 21st to respond to the charge and one wonders if the club feel this is a fight they intend to pursue.

Arteta appeared to want to draw a line under it following last weekend’s win against Burnley, though the dynamics have changed with this baffling FA charge.