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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Edinson Cavani launches into scathing rant against VAR and European Super League

Edinson Cavani has vented his fury with VAR for damaging the "essence of football" and making players "wait two minutes" before celebrating.

The Manchester United striker also took aim at the doomed European Super League proposals for trying to "deprive more modest teams" of a shot at Champions League football.

It's been a hectic week for Cavani, 34, who signed a one-year contract extension with the Red Devils and featured in the Premier League defeats by Leicester City and Liverpool.

But he has found time to highlight his frustrations with the use of technology in football and the greed of club owners.

Cavani embarked on a tirade against VAR and the European Super League (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Uruguayan told South American outlet Dos De Punta: "When the Super League came around I told myself: 'That can't be possible - if it happens, what can we expect next?'

"I don't share its ideas at all. I am not in agreement with it. You mustn't deprive more modest teams the chance of playing in the Champions League.

"Or stop average clubs from dreaming of competing with the bigger ones, and having a place among the elite. You can't deny fans of these clubs the chance to have this experience."

The Uruguayan saw a goal against Tottenham chalked off last month following a pitch-side review (PA)

Do you agree with Cavani's stance on the European Super League? Have your say in the comments.

Turning his attention to the use of video officials to help referee games, Cavani said football is "becoming a slog" due to lengthy waiting times. He added: "VAR takes away the charm and the essence of football.

"You don't know why a referee awards a penalty against you or rules you offside - or even how it works. It is difficult. You score a goal and then have to wait two minutes before you can celebrate.

"Or, even worse, you celebrate then they tell you it has been ruled out because your fingernail or your hair was in an offside position.

"Or else because one of your team-mates committed a minor foul that nobody noticed - 14 passes before you put the ball in the net.

"Us players don't count when things like this are brought in. It's a case of 'Play and keep your mouth shut - you earn lots of money.'

"Football is becoming a slog for us, even if there is some passion as well. You need to keep a cool head to put up with this routine for a long time."

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