Football has always been a game of high emotions and intense competition. With the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in recent years, it was hoped that fairness would be enhanced by eliminating human errors from refereeing decisions. However, VAR has often added to the controversy rather than reducing it, with several shocking decisions that have left fans and players alike stunned.
One such instance was during the 2018 World Cup round of 16 match between Nigeria and Argentina. The Nigerian team appealed for a handball against Argentine defender Marcos Rojo but were denied by both the on-field referee and VAR officials despite video evidence suggesting otherwise. The decision caused outrage among Nigerian fans who felt their team had been unjustly denied an opportunity to level the score.
Another controversial VAR decision occurred in a Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in April 2019. In stoppage time, Raheem Sterling appeared to score what would have been a dramatic winning goal for City only for it to be disallowed by VAR due to Sergio Aguero being marginally offside earlier in the build-up play.
Similarly, during a Champions League quarter-final match between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in March 2019, United were awarded a last-minute penalty following a handball decision against Presnel Kimpembe via VAR review. This led PSG players to protest vehemently as they believed Kimpembe’s arm was not in an unnatural position when he blocked Diogo Dalot’s shot.
In another incident involving Tottenham Hotspur, this time against Leicester City in September 2019, Serge Aurier’s goal was ruled out after Son Heung-min was adjudged offside by millimeters during the buildup play – an incredibly tight call which many believe should have gone in favor of Spurs considering how close it was.
Finally, perhaps one of the most infamous instances came during Liverpool’s clash with Everton at Anfield in October 2020. In the dying minutes, Jordan Henderson appeared to score a late winner for Liverpool only for VAR to rule it out due to an offside call against Sadio Mane during the build-up play. The decision was heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike due to how marginal the offside call was.
In conclusion, while VAR technology was introduced with good intentions of enhancing fairness in football, its implementation has often resulted in controversial decisions that have left many feeling aggrieved. As we look forward to more exciting football matches, one can only hope that VAR will improve its accuracy and consistency in making crucial calls that could potentially decide the outcome of games.
