'Killing the game' - What Bristol City boss said about VAR after FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United

Dean Holden, the Bristol City manager, says VAR is "killing football" after his side's defeat at Sheffield United this evening.
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The Blades went through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Billy Sharp's penalty after a handball from Alfie Mawson.

After a VAR review, Mawson was sent off and a penalty was awarded, which Sharp emphatically finished.

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And Holden said: "I thought it was a real disappointing way to lose a game of football. We had a big moment through Tomas Kalas' strike and had a two against one, but we didn't make the right decision.

"But to lose on a VAR decision is difficult to take. It wouldn't have been given at Ashton Gate because we wouldn't have VAR, and it's tough to take.

"Alfie feels responsible which he shouldn't be because I don't think it was even handball. I've never been a fan of VAR, I think it's killing the game. No-one even appealed for it and it's a difficult way to lose a game, but we've got to pick ourselves up now.

"Sheffield United are a really good team, forget where they are in the league, with the way they play and a really good coaching staff. We'll look to bounce back from this now."

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Kalas forced a smart save from United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with a shot on the turn after a cross was deflected into his path, while Nahki Wells elected to try and shoot himself rather than square to a teammate after finding himself in a good position as the Championship side broke away.

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