5 controversial VAR Decisions that changed the course of a Match

Football over the years has developed and gained much more intensity than in the past few decades. With the advancement of technology, the game has developed in many ways. The inclusion of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has changed the perspective of the game. The inductance of the VAR has revolutionised the game in every aspect. However, the decisions taken by the technology have not always been right and have cost the teams the wrong decisions. 

The VAR was introduced back in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but to date, video assistant referees are still finding a way out to get away from the headlines for all of the wrong reasons and decisions. Though the technology has given good results, the negativity has been quite eye-catching. 

In the article, we will be looking for the most controversial VAR decision that changed the course of the football match. 

Here are the 5 controversial VAR decisions that changed the course of a match:

5. Tottenham 2-1 Brighton, 2023

Tottenham faced Brighton at home and the game was evenly poised before Harry Kane scored his side's winner, Kaoru Mitoma was tripped by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg inside the box. There was to be no penalty given in favour of Brighton, though, who had previously seen two goals ruled out by VAR added to their misery.

4. Scotland vs Argentina, 2019

Scotland faced Argentina in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the group fixture, Scotland could have edged past a 3-2 victory over Argentina, but some decisions stood as controversial.  Lee Alexander saved from the spot but Argentina re-took and scored a penalty three minutes before full-time making the score 3-3. 

3. Argentina vs Brazil, 2019

Argentina faced Brazil in the semi-final of the Copa America, 2019. The high-profile game caused controversy as Lionel Messi lashed CONMEBOL for the wrong VAR decisions. Sergio Aguero got tumbled over Dani Alves in the box and it was a clear penalty that was not awarded. 

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2. Manchester City vs Tottenham, 2018-2019 

Manchester City faced Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semi-final. Fernando Llorente's 73rd-minute strike helped Spurs on away goals after referee Cuneyt Cakir checked VAR for a suspected handball and allowed the goal to stand. City scored back and made it 4-4 with Raheem Sterling scoring the goal but his goal was judged as offside and losing the match. 

1.  Real Madrid vs Ajax, 2018-19

Real Madrid faced Ajax in the round of 16. Ajax won the game 5-3, there was a VAR decision after Dusan Tadic scored to put Ajax 3-0 up at the Bernabeu, the goal went to VAR replay with the possibility of it having initially gone out of play. The goal was allowed to stand.