Shearer Blames VAR Delay for Grealish Injury Against Real Madrid

Jack Grealish was forced off the pitch with a groin injury just 30 minutes into Manchester City's Champions League match against Real Madrid, raising concerns he might miss the second leg. Alan Shearer suggested that a lengthy VAR delay, lasting nearly four minutes, could have contributed to Grealish's injury, as players were left standing still during the review of Erling Haaland's opening goal. Shearer criticized the situation as 'unacceptable,' emphasizing that such delays negatively affect elite athletes' physical condition. Grealish had played a pivotal role in City's first goal before his early exit, which came as a disappointment given his limited starts this season. The incident highlighted ongoing debates about VAR's impact on game flow and player health. City will face Newcastle next before the crucial return leg against Real Madrid.