Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has supported the controversial VAR decision that ruled out West Ham United’s stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, saying officials handled the situation correctly in a high-pressure moment.

The incident occurred during a tense Premier League clash involving Arsenal and West Ham United, where Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a late point for the Hammers deep into added time.

However, celebrations were cut short after VAR reviewed the buildup to the goal and determined that West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals had committed a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Following the review, the goal was disallowed, allowing Arsenal to hold on to a narrow 1-0 victory that strengthened their position in the Premier League title race.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney agreed with the officials’ decision, despite acknowledging the controversy it generated among fans and players.

According to him, the contact on the goalkeeper was clear and had a direct impact on Raya’s ability to challenge for the ball.

“It’s a clear foul. You can clearly see the arm crosses his face, and it impacts his ability to get to the ball. So I think it’s the right decision,” Rooney said.

He added that VAR deserves credit for making a decisive call in such an emotionally charged moment of the game.

“It’s the one time I actually think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game,” he noted.

Rooney also spoke about his long-standing frustration with how referees treat goalkeepers, suggesting they are often given excessive protection in modern football.

He argued that any minimal contact with goalkeepers is frequently punished, regardless of intent.

“If you go anywhere near the goalkeeper, it’s a foul. I’ve always had that feeling throughout my career,” he said.

Rooney added that while goalkeepers often have physical advantages in aerial duels, referees tend to err on the side of caution when they are involved in contact situations.

The decision continues to divide opinion among fans, but Rooney’s comments add another layer of support for the officials’ interpretation in one of the season’s most controversial Premier League moments.