Wenger: It destroys me the PL has voted against VAR

Joe Williams

Arsene Wenger admits it has left him “upset” after Premier League clubs voted against using video assistant referee (VAR) from next season.

Some decisions went against the Gunners – in Wenger’s opinion – during their 3-1 loss to Leicester City on Wednesday night in which their young defender Konstantinos Mavropanos was sent off.

“Overall I believe we played a great game today,” Wenger said. “Even with 10 against 11 we should win the game. I’m convinced what changed the game was the penalty. I have complaints about the red card as well but I think we dealt well with the situation. I would like to praise the team for the spirit they showed tonight.”

“There is always a reason for the defeat, but if you isolate each game, it is unfortunate what happened tonight. I think the Premier League has voted against VAR and it is upsetting. It destroys me because we were in front of the rest of the world, and now we want to be behind.”

Asked whether it has sunk in that he will be leaving this summer, Wenger replied: “Yes, slowly, the last three or four weeks have been step-by-step so you have time to adjust. I realise it now. It was very nice to hear applause from both sets of fans and I’m very grateful for that.”