Azpilicueta blasts VAR as Potter remains coy on West Ham penalty drama

Cesar Azpilicueta has blasted VAR following the penalty controversy against West Ham United while Graham Potter has remained coy.

Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League against West Ham on Saturday in a game where VAR stole the show.

After taking the lead early in the first half through new signing Joao Felix, it did not take long for the Hammers to strike back, former Blue, Emerson netted his first goal ever in the League.

In the second half, the two sides remained level, but in the closing moments, there was huge outrage from the visitors who felt they should have had a penalty.

An effort from Conor Gallagher was saved by midfielder, Tomas Soucek, but after a brief VAR check nothing was given.

This season, VAR has received a large amount of criticism, and once again at the weekend the decision left fans baffled.

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Despite not playing in this contest, Azpilicueta, Chelsea captain, spoke about the decision in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues’ Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, he said: “The truth? I was angry.

“I can speak about myself when I was watching the iPad on the bench. It was a mad decision we weren’t awarded a penalty. Unfair on us to not get a penalty and three points.”

Clearly the Spaniard was upset with the outcome. While Azpilicueta made no attempt to hide his outrage at the decision, head coach Potter gave a more calm response and was criticised for the lack of anger he showed.

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Since the criticism, the 47-year-old has hit back, saying: “If you think you can start a coaching career in the 9th tier of English football and get to this points in the Champions League without getting angry or being nice, I suggest you don’t know anything about anything.”

Azpilicueta was also questioned about his boss’ reaction: “I’ve been with different managers that expressed themselves in different ways. Nothing more I can add.”

Chelsea will be hopeful that VAR will not play such a major role when they take on Dortmund on Wednesday night.