Sheffield United: VAR is 'draining' Chris Wilder as Blades boss says it is in danger of deflating fans

Speaking after Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was effectively allowed to score the visitors’ second goal of a 2-0 win - United’s defence stopping after an offside flag was raised - the 52-year-old admitted he was feeling “drained” by the growing influence of video referees on games.

Warning that by delegating much of the decision-making process to officials at Stockley Park, the Premier League is in danger of ostracising fans, Wilder said: “The second goal sucked the life out of my players and 29,000 or so Sheffield United fans. It’s becoming difficult for everybody.

“I started out as an apprentice at Southampton and then had a career. Went into management at non-league and worked my way up. So that’s nearly 1000 games. But it’s a new game. We’re having to learn on the job. Every interview I do is VAR led. Every single one, it seems like that to me.”

Although replays confirmed Shelvey had stayed onside before converting past Dean Henderson, Wilder refused to criticise his players, including the goalkeeper, for failing to carry on until the whistle.

“I’m drained with it, if I’m honest,” Wilder continued. “Players, referees, administrators, directors; whatever. The biggest stakeholders are supporters. They pay for tickets, for travel, for coffees, for teas, for merchandise. If that had been given at St James’ Park, then I think you’d have seen the same reaction. I’m drained with it and I’m a bit sad with it. I don’t think anyone knows where they are with any decisions. If the supporters didn’t turn up, nothing happens.”

United slipped to ninth in the table ahead of Sunday’s trip to Norwich City when Shelvey doubled Newcastle’s lead following Allan Saint-Maximin’s early finish.

“We’re frustrated,” Wilder said. “I’m okay with the performance. With the ball, I thought we played very well. I should imagine that’s the most we’ve dominated any team in terms of possession this season. But, as I’ve said all along, possession doesn’t win you games. Goals do. We were desperately disappointed with the goal we conceded and then missed a few chances ourselves.

“I was looking to my left a lot first-half and then to my right for most of the second.”