The Most Controversial VAR Moments in Football – And Why Fans Are Still Angry

The Most Controversial VAR Moments in Football – And Why Fans Are Still Angry

Since its introduction, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has stirred intense debate in football.

While meant to help referees make accurate calls, VAR has instead ignited controversies that leave fans and players questioning its value.

In this article, I will break down the top 5 VAR decisions that shocked the football world and discuss why they continue to fuel debates.

What You Will Learn: The 5 VAR Decisions That Shook Football Fans

A detailed look at five highly controversial VAR decisions.
The context and outcomes of each incident.
Reactions from fans, players, and officials.
Insight into the ongoing debate over VAR’s role in football.

Table of ContentsContents

Luis Díaz’s Disallowed Goal Against Tottenham
Sheffield United’s “Ghost” Goal Against Aston Villa
Rodri’s Unpunished Handball Against Everton
Andre Onana’s Collision with Sasa Kalajdzic
Bruno Fernandes’ Controversial Goal Against Manchester City

Luis Díaz’s Disallowed Goal Against Tottenham

In a heated match between Liverpool and Tottenham, Luis Díaz scored a goal that was controversially ruled offside.

Replays later clearly showed he was onside, and the decision led to widespread criticism.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) acknowledged it was a significant error in judgment.

2. Sheffield United’s “Ghost” Goal Against Aston Villa

During a Premier League clash, Sheffield United appeared to score when the ball seemingly crossed the line.

Due to a failure in goal-line technology and no VAR intervention, the goal was not awarded.

This incident raised serious concerns about the reliability of both technology and the VAR process.

3. Rodri’s Unpunished Handball Against Everton

In a critical match, Manchester City’s Rodri handled the ball in the penalty area, yet VAR did not call for a penalty.

The decision sparked anger among Everton fans and raised questions about consistency, especially during a title race.

Many felt that crucial game-changing moments had been overlooked by the VAR team.

4. Andre Onana’s Collision with Sasa Kalajdzic

Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, collided with Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic inside the penalty area.

Although it appeared to be a foul, VAR opted not to intervene, leaving many spectators baffled.

This decision reignited debates over when VAR should and should not step in during collisions and fouls.

5. Bruno Fernandes’ Controversial Goal Against Manchester City

In a Manchester derby, Bruno Fernandes scored a goal that stood despite clear signs of offside interference by Marcus Rashford.

The call left fans scratching their heads and added fuel to the debate on how offside rules are interpreted through VAR.

This decision remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent football history.

Conclusion

These five incidents highlight the complexities and occasional flaws in the VAR system.

While the technology was introduced with the aim of fairness and accuracy, its inconsistent application has led many to question its benefit.

As VAR continues to evolve, the debates over its role are far from over.

For now, fans must grapple with decisions that can sometimes change the course of a match in an instant.

I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below—do you think VAR is helping or hurting the game?

If you want to stay updated on the latest football controversies, be sure to subscribe or check out our other posts.

Simon Taki Zaku

Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry LLC

For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.

ibifoundry@gmail.com; simonzakucom@gmail.com