I hate VAR after what happened to me against Liverpool

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer believes his team’s dramatic Premier League clash with Liverpool earlier this season saw proof of why VAR is sucking the joy out of football.

The Reds required an injury-time equaliser from substitute Luis Diaz to earn a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road back in November having gone behind with only 10 minutes remaining to the promoted team.

Liverpool were calling for a penalty when Virgil van Dijk’s header struck Ross Barkley on the arm in the box when Luton broke away to take the lead through Tahith Chong, with the goal eventually allowed after a long VAR check.

And Luton skipper Lockyer – who will miss Wednesday’s Anfield return fixture between the sides as he continues to convalesce following a major heart scare – has explained how the introduction of video technology meant he didn’t even bother to celebrate the goal properly.

“I hate VAR purely on the fact that when I score a goal I can’t celebrate fully knowing it’s going to be checked for every inch of play leading up to it,” he said, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.

“In the Championship, you score a goal, look at the linesman, referee gives the goal, you go nuts. This time – we scored against Liverpool. Van Dijk had a header and it hit Ross Barkley’s arm. He’s not even looking at the ball but I know how VAR is with handballs. We counter and score.

“I know it’s hit Ross Barkley’s arm. Tahith Chong is in the crowd. I want to join him but I know this is getting checked. I say to the ref ‘what’s going on?. He said ‘checking a possible handball’. So it’s either a goal or a penalty to Liverpool. There’s no inbetween. Three minutes later or however long it takes, referee blows his whistle, it’s been cleared – goal. And then I can’t be a***d celebrating.”