Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney's bizarre VAR rant after another Birmingham City defeat

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney unleashed a bizarre VAR rant after witnessing his Birmingham City side lose 3-1 to Southampton.

Rooney, who was brought in as manager at St Andrew's after John Eustace was surprisingly sacked, was livid after Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu wiped out Oliver Burke in the area and a penalty was not awarded. The Blues were already 2-0 down at this stage thanks to goals from Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Carlos Alcaraz.

However, the decision not to give a penalty just before halftime was seen as a turning point in the encounter. Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Rooney claimed VAR would have spotted the error made by the referee but was adamant the technology should not be introduced in the second tier of English football.

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Speaking after the game, per the Press Association, Rooney said: "These decisions happen when you don’t have VAR. I’m not a fan of VAR and you accept referees and linesmen might make mistakes but what you can’t accept is the penalty decision.

"It is ridiculous and everyone in the stadium could see it. The 'keeper is committed and is coming at pace and is reckless. If he is coming like that then he has to win the ball but he absolutely wipes out Burkey.

"The most frustrating thing is the fourth official told me that the referee was clear in his decision and wasn’t willing to take advice from his fourth official and assistant. He was clear there was minimal contact. That is a worry for me.

"I hope VAR doesn’t filter down but we would have got a penalty if VAR was here. I know referees will make mistakes, I can accept that