Video Assistant Referees (VAR) was introduced into football to reduce “clear and obvious errors” in officiating, but since its introduction in 2017, it has generated as much controversy as it has corrections.
From handballs, disallowed goals, and offside calls from a player’s armpit, the system has repeatedly been at the centre of major disputes.
There have been several controversies across different leagues and tournaments, which highlight how VAR has both changed the game and frustrated fans, clubs, and pundits.
VAR decisions can have a dramatic impact on both the scoreboard and betting markets, adding another layer of intensity for those with digital access to matchday odds.
Liverpool vs Tottenham 2023
The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham on 30th September 2023 was billed as one of the early season’s standout fixtures. Both sides entered the game unbeaten, but things quickly turned chaotic.
Liverpool had Curtis Jones sent off after a VAR review, and were later reduced to nine men with Diogo Jota also being shown a red. But the biggest talking point came from when Luis Diaz scored what looked like a perfectly good goal – only for it to be ruled offside.
Replays showed Díaz was clearly onside, and after the match, the refereeing body PGMOL admitted there had been a “significant human error.” The VAR team had misunderstood the on-field decision and never corrected it.
Liverpool battled on bravely, but an injury-time own goal from Joel Matip handed Spurs the win. The result ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run and left fans furious, reigniting the debate over whether VAR is actually helping the game or just creating new kinds of mistakes.
Everton vs Manchester City 2022
In February 2022, Everton’s Premier League battle with Manchester City ended in fury after one of the most debated VAR calls of the season.
City led 1-0 late into the game when the ball clearly struck Rodi’s arm inside the box, but neither the on-field referee, Paul Tierney, nor VAR awarded a penalty.
Everton players and fans were both stunned and enraged, convinced it was a blatant handball offense that could have changed the outcome of the game.
After the match, the Toffees demanded an explanation, with manager Frank Lampard describing it as “incompetence at best.” The PGMOL later admitted that a mistake had been made, but ultimately cost Everton a crucial chance to earn a point in their relegation fight.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid 2025
Most recently, a clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in March 2025 came under fire for a serious and costly VAR controversy.
The Madrid giants faced off in a Champions League knockout game, a 2-2 aggregate draw that saw the fixture go to penalties.
Atletico’s Julian Alvarez stepped up for their second spot-kick, but despite scoring, VAR controversially disallowed the goal, claiming he had touched the ball twice – once while slipping and again on the strike.
The shootout swung in Real’s favour when Fede Valverde scored their third penalty. Real eventually won the shootout 4-2, leaving Atletico players and fans frustrated at a decision many saw as harsh and unnecessary in a high-stakes moment.
Arsenal vs Brentford 2023
Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford in February 2023 sparked major controversy after a VAR blunder cost the Gunners two vital points in the title race.
Leading 1-0 through Leandro Trossard, Arsenal looked set for another crucial win until Ivan Toney equalised for the Bees.
Replays later showed that Brentford’s Christian Norgaard was offside in the build-up to the goal, but VAR official Lee Mason had focused his check on Ethan Pinnock, the wrong player, missing the key offside completely.
The goal stood, and Arsenal were left vexed as the mistake was later admitted by PGMOL.
Mason was sacked from his duties, but the damage had already been done, and a win would have put Arsenal just one point behind league winners Manchester City in the final standings.
—
These few examples reflect a consistent theme: while VAR aims to bring fairness and accuracy, the interpretation of rules, limitations of the technology, and also the human element in decision-making mean controversies continue to persist.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
