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Fulham vs Tottenham handball: VAR ‘killing’ goals and excitement of football, says Scott Parker

<p>Fulham were denied by a VAR call</p> (Getty Images)

Fulham were denied by a VAR call

(Getty Images)

Scott Parker believes VAR is "killing" an essential part of football as Fulham saw a goal ruled out for handball in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.

With the International Football Association Board (IFAF) set to meet virtually on Friday to clarify the handball rule as well as discuss offside and VAR, Premier League fans were subject to yet another contentious call at Craven Cottage.

After Spurs led in the first half through Tosin Adarabioyo's own goal, Parker's men had the ball in the back of the net when Josh Maja fired home. However, replays showed that, in the build-up, the ball had cannoned into the hand of Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away.

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It was an application of the rules by VAR, which Parker accepts, but he says his side did not gain a clear advantage.

"It has changed so much," he said of the handball rule. "We look back at the start of the season when the rule was very different and penalties were being given week in, week out and we were talking about changing the art of defending and defending with your arms behind the back.

"I understand why the goal was not given and that's the rule. I don't agree with the rule. I am not complaining with that, the referee is acting to the rule. We have VAR so you can look back and see if there is a clear advantage. I don't think we did.

"We are trying to make the game so pure and sterile and trying to control every single phase or moment to an absolute T and that is where the problem lies.

"We want to see goals and excitement but I am sorry to say that VAR is killing every part of that. You are losing the raw emotion of the game we absolutely love."

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho chose not to give opinion on it, insisting that the laws are open to interpretation.

Spurs saw out a tight winTottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
Spurs saw out a tight winTottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

"My view is not important, I don't make decisions," he said. "The rule gives space to interpretation and you have to accept the interpretation of the official.

"Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you."

Additional reporting by PA.

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