Football has always been a sport full of passion, excitement, and occasional controversy. In recent years, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has made its mark, aiming to eliminate mistakes and ensure fairness on the pitch. However, the implementation of VAR has led to numerous controversial VAR decisions that have left fans and players alike scratching their heads. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 5 most controversial VAR decisions in football and examine how technology has changed the way we experience the game.
What is VAR?
VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a technology designed to assist referees in reviewing key moments during a football match. It helps make decisions on goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. While VAR has undoubtedly helped improve the accuracy of decisions, it has also raised questions about its impact on football’s flow and its influence on refereeing.
- Goals: To check for offside, fouls, or handball before awarding a goal.
- Penalties: To ensure the correct decision is made for fouls in the penalty area.
- Red Cards: To review potential red-card offenses.
- Mistaken Identity: To ensure the right player is penalized for an offense.
Although VAR technology aims to improve the fairness of football, it has sparked debates about its effectiveness and whether it undermines the human element of refereeing.
The Controversies Surrounding VAR
While VAR has introduced significant improvements, it hasn’t come without its fair share of criticism. Many fans argue that VAR disrupts the natural flow of football, as it often leads to lengthy delays while decisions are reviewed. The system’s reliance on fine margins—such as tight offside calls—has also sparked frustration among fans who feel that technology shouldn’t interfere with the spontaneity of the game. VAR errors are another concern, as some decisions have left people questioning whether the technology truly improves fairness.
Despite these challenges, VAR decisions in football have changed the way matches are played and viewed. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable and controversial VAR moments in football history.
1. England vs. Colombia (2018 World Cup) – Harry Kane’s Penalty
One of the most significant VAR decisions in World Cup history occurred during the Round of 16 match between England and Colombia in 2018. England’s Harry Kane was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Colombian defender Carlos Sánchez in the box. Initially, the on-field referee did not give a penalty, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
The incident sparked controversy, as many felt the foul wasn’t clear-cut enough to warrant a penalty. Some argued that the referee was influenced by the VAR review process, which seemed to go against the natural flow of the match. This was one of the moments that fueled the debate over VAR’s impact on the spirit of football.
2. Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2019 – Champions League) – Raheem Sterling’s Disallowed Goal
In the 2019 Champions League quarterfinal, Manchester City thought they had scored the winning goal through Raheem Sterling in the dying minutes of the match. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a marginal offside call on Sergio Agüero in the build-up.
The disallowed goal caused an uproar, with City fans and players furious over what they considered an overly strict VAR decision. While offside technology was meant to be precise, this controversial call sparked debates on whether such marginal decisions should be made through technology, or whether human referees should be given more discretion.
3. Chelsea vs. Manchester United (2019-2020) – Harry Maguire’s Possible Red Card
During a Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United, Harry Maguire was involved in a dangerous tackle on Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi. The challenge appeared to be worthy of a red card, but the on-field referee opted to give only a yellow card. A VAR review followed, but no further action was taken.
This decision divided opinions, with many arguing that Maguire should have been sent off for the reckless tackle. The incident raised questions about how VAR in football should be used to review red-card offenses and whether it’s inconsistent in some cases.
4. Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (2021-2022) – Nuno Tavares’ Offside Goal
In an exciting match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, Nuno Tavares thought he had given Arsenal the lead with a stunning goal. However, after a VAR review, it was determined that Tavares had been offside when the ball was played to him, and the goal was disallowed.
While some argued that the offside call was justified, others felt that VAR technology had been overly meticulous in reviewing such a tight decision. This was another moment that highlighted the ongoing debate over VAR’s role in football and whether it sometimes takes away from the enjoyment of the game.
5. Liverpool vs. Everton (2020-2021) – Jordan Pickford’s Tackle on Virgil van Dijk
In one of the most heated Merseyside derbies, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk suffered a serious knee injury after a dangerous tackle by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Despite the severity of the challenge, the on-field referee did not give a red card. A VAR review was conducted, but Pickford was not penalized.
Many felt that VAR should have intervened to penalize Pickford for the reckless tackle, and the decision led to widespread criticism. This incident sparked discussions about the effectiveness of VAR in reviewing red-card offenses and whether it can truly safeguard players from dangerous tackles.
The Debate: Is VAR Ruining the Spirit of Football?
The spirit of football has been a hot topic in discussions surrounding VAR. On one hand, VAR technology ensures more accurate decisions, leading to fewer errors and improving fairness. On the other hand, it’s been argued that VAR has taken away some of the excitement and unpredictability that make football so captivating.
Some fans and pundits feel that VAR reviews disrupt the flow of the game, while others argue that the technology ensures that the right calls are made. Ultimately, the question remains: can VAR technology improve fairness without damaging the very essence of football?
Conclusion
While VAR decisions in football have led to significant improvements in accuracy and fairness, they have also sparked many controversies. The five incidents we’ve covered here highlight the complex nature of using technology to make decisions in a fast-paced sport. As football evolves, the role of VAR will continue to be a topic of debate, but one thing is certain: technology is here to stay.
FAQs
Q1. What is VAR in football?
Ans. VAR is a system that assists referees by reviewing key decisions during a match, such as goals, penalties, and red cards.
Q2. Why are some VAR decisions controversial?
Ans. Some VAR decisions are based on very marginal calls, and the technology often leads to long delays, frustrating both players and fans.
Q3. Has VAR improved fairness in football?
Ans. While VAR has reduced clear errors, it has also raised questions about whether it affects the natural flow of the game and whether it always makes the right call.
Q4. Can VAR be used in all football competitions?
Ans. Yes, VAR is used in major football competitions like the World Cup, Champions League, and Premier League, but it’s not implemented in all leagues.
Q5. Will VAR be improved in the future?
Ans. Yes, there are ongoing discussions about refining VAR technology, making it faster, more transparent, and less disruptive to the game.