Chris Wilder celebrated signing his new Sheffield United contract with a victory against West Ham, who were denied a dramatic injury-time equaliser by VAR.
Since taking charge in the northern summer of 2016, the Blades boss has taken his boyhood team from the third tier of English football to fifth in the Premier League following Friday's (Saturday morning NZ time) 1-0 win.
Former Leeds midfielder Robert Snodgrass, another Hammers sub, looked to have salvaged a draw for the visitors right at the end but replays showed that the ball had hit Declan Rice's arm in the build-up.
Rice said West Ham were "fuming" and "livid".
"I just watched it back. He's knocked the ball into my hand, I'm in a forward running motion and he's headed the ball into my hand. It's a real kick in the teeth.
"I just can't get over it. I've not intentionally meant to handball the ball."
Although VAR was correct to rule out the goal under the new handball law, the midfielder delivered a withering criticism of the technology's use.
"I don't think pretty much anyone wants to have VAR in the game," he said.
"They (Sheffield United) are celebrating VAR like it's a goal, no one wants to see that."
Wilder signed a deal until 2024 prior to kick-off and then saw club-record signing Oliver McBurnie score the only goal of the game early in the second half, following a glaring mistake by West Ham's substitute goalkeeper David Martin.
AAP
