Howe claims poor VAR calls affected Bournemouth psyche

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe claims two incorrect VAR decisions meant his side were “psychologically spent” at the end of their 3-0 loss to Burnley.

The Cherries had two goals ruled out due to questionable VAR decisions, with the second resulting in a Burnley penalty at the other end – that was converted – after the play was brought back after 16 seconds of play.

BBC pundit Garth Crooks labelled the decision as absurd, and Howe admits the calls were difficult to accept.

He told Match of the Day: “It’s very difficult. I’ve got to be careful what I say. The first decision dictates the rest of the game. For me it’s a clear goal. I think it’s come off Phil [Billing]’s shoulder, and without that goal I don’t think VAR get involved in the second.

“After that I think we were psychologically spent. It was hard for us to get back in the game, but I thought we did very well before that.

“I’ve seen loads of handballs this year and very rarely has one been given in your own box. They’ve been very careful in terms of decisions. Adam [Smith] says it hit him on the shoulder and I have to trust what he says.

“I’ve always been clear on VAR. I like the offsides as it’s black and white, right and wrong. But I’ve always maintained the referee should make the final decision on the pitch.”

 

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