The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was introduced to the Premier League to make football fairer by assisting referees in making accurate decisions. However, it has sparked heated debates, with many fans, players, and pundits questioning its impact on the game. Here, we take a look at the top 5 most controversial VAR decisions in the Premier League that left fans and teams frustrated.
1. Liverpool vs. Everton (October 2020)
In the Merseyside derby of October 2020, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson scored what seemed like a last-minute winner against Everton. However, VAR ruled the goal offside in a decision that baffled many. The offside line appeared marginal, leading to debates over whether Sadio Mané was truly offside in the build-up. This incident reignited the debate about how VAR is used for tight offside calls and whether it disrupts the flow of the game.
2. Manchester United vs. Sheffield United (January 2021)
In January 2021, Manchester United faced Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The controversy began when Sheffield United’s first goal was disallowed due to a perceived foul on David De Gea. However, minutes later, Manchester United had a goal ruled out for a soft push on Sheffield United’s goalkeeper. Many argued that VAR had applied different standards to similar incidents in the same match, sparking outrage and confusion among fans and commentators alike.
3. Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (April 2019)
In the dramatic 2019 Champions League quarter-final second leg between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, VAR played a pivotal role. Raheem Sterling’s late goal, which would have sent City to the semi-finals, was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. The decision was correct by the letter of the law, but it sparked controversy due to the narrow margins and the intense emotions involved in such a high-stakes game.
4. Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (October 2019)
During Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace in October 2019, Sokratis Papastathopoulos appeared to score a late winner for the Gunners. However, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal due to a supposed foul by Calum Chambers in the build-up. Replays showed minimal contact, leaving fans and experts divided over whether it was sufficient to disallow the goal. This decision led to calls for greater clarity in the application of VAR for subjective decisions.
5. West Bromwich Albion vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (February 2021)
A bizarre VAR decision occurred in February 2021 when West Brom faced Brighton. Referee Lee Mason blew his whistle for a Brighton free-kick, which Lewis Dunk quickly took and scored. However, VAR intervened, and the goal was disallowed after a series of confusing and conflicting referee decisions. This incident raised questions about VAR’s influence on the flow of the game and the need for clear communication between referees and VAR officials.
The Impact of VAR on Premier League Football
While VAR was introduced to minimize errors, these decisions highlight the challenges and controversies it brings to the Premier League. VAR continues to evolve, and its implementation remains a hot topic among fans and football experts. These controversial moments underline the ongoing debate about how technology should be integrated into football.
Conclusion
Controversial VAR decisions are an integral part of modern football discussions. As the technology matures, so too will its application. What remains clear is that the debate around VAR is here to stay, and fans will continue to passionately discuss its impact on the beautiful game.