Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by 2.0
Once regarded as the quick fix that would negate all contentious decisions in the world of football, VAR has now been part of the global footballing landscape for a decade.
Consequently, the way in which football is consumed has completely changed, with fans and players often cautious about embarking on any exuberant celebrations – just in case VAR intervenes.
As with all sports, the use and implementation of technology is generally regarded as a positive thing and there have been countless correct VAR decisions, made in leagues all across the world.
However, the footballing world has never been under such scrutiny, both in terms of finances and media traction and the spotlight continues to be firmly shone on the role VAR has to play in modern day football.
The impact of VAR in football has also transcended into the online football betting industry too, with punters having to wait and see if VAR intervention effects positively or negatively on their bet.
Now part of common football parlance, VAR has been involved in some of the biggest footballing decisions in recent years.
Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable ones from the past decade:
First ever VAR goal involvement:
Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen – 2017/18
The German Bundesliga was the first major league in Europe to implement VAR, and they have been setting the trend in that regard ever since.
Bayern Munich have been the dominant force in the Bundesliga over the past two decades and they got off to the best possible start in the 2017/18 campaign, with a 3-1 home win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Talisman Robert Lewandowski was pulled back in the box, a decision missed in real time but picked up by VAR and the Pole duly dusted himself down and dispatched the penalty, to secure the win for the Bavarians.
First Premier League VAR goal involvement:
Gabriel Jesus – West Ham United vs Manchester City – 2019/20
There was much anticipation heading into the 2019/20 Premier League season, as VAR was set to be implemented across the competition.
Champions Manchester City got their title defence off to the perfect start with a comprehensive 5-0 win on the road at West Ham United, but it could have been worse for the Hammers, as Gabriel Jesus became the first PL player to have a goal chalked off for offside.
The correct decision was made by VAR, with Jesus clearly in an offside position, with video technology intervening once again in the match, to allow City to retake a penalty after Declan Rice had encroached on the penalty box.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most controversial VAR decisions in football over the past decade:
2018/19 Champions League Quarter Finals:
Manchester City vs Tottenham (2nd leg)
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had been the dominant force in English football over the past few seasons heading into this Champions League quarter final with Tottenham, and it seemed a formality the blues world march on.
Spurs edged the first leg 1-0 at home but nobody could have prepared for the drama that would ensue at the Etihad in the second leg.
VAR intervened to award Fernando Llorente’s goal, with the Spaniard netting to put through on away goals, with plenty of controversy surrounding his use of his arm to score the goal.
The drama did not stop there though. City thought they had won it in the dying embers, as Raheem Sterling lashed home – only for VAR to bring raucous celebrations at the Etihad to an abrupt halt – ruling Sergio Aguero offside in the protracted build up to the goal – and Spurs went on to reach the Champions League final.
2023/24 Premier League:
Tottenham vs Liverpool
When Tottenham and Liverpool clash in the Premier League, there tends to be plenty of drama and intrigue, but nothing can surpass the chaos that ensued at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
VAR had already had its say in the game, as Curtis Jones’s yellow card was upgraded to a red on review, but Liverpool had plenty of right to feel aggrieved by the events that followed.
With the score at 0-0, Luis Diaz thought he had put Liverpool ahead, despite an offside flag going up. On review, Diaz was clearly onside, a decision VAR agreed with but a breakdown in communication with the on-field referee, saw the wrong decision awarded.
Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool, who also Diogo Jota sent off and the 9-men went on to lose the chaotic encounter, 2-1, in the final minutes, as Joel Matip put through his own net.
2020/21 Premier League:
Everton vs Liverpool
It was once again Liverpool who were on the receiving end of some interesting decisions, as they visited local rivals Everton – in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic in October 2020.
The game finished 2-2, with both sides producing some cutting edge attacking football, against the backdrop of no fans at Goodison Park but it is the VAR involvements that will always be remembered in this one.
Sadio Mane gave Liverpool the lead, before Everton keeper Jordan Pickford clattered into Virgil van Dijk. In normal circumstances, Pickford would have been sent off and a penalty awarded, but VAR intervened, calling an offside in the buildup. Pickford remained on the field of play, but van Dijk wasn’t so lucky and spent 6 months on the sidelines with an ACL knee injury.
Michael Keane pulled Everton level, before Mohamed Salah and Dominic Calvert-Lewin traded strikes to make it 2-2, before Richarlison was sent off for the Toffees.
The drama wasn’t over, as Jordan Henderson thought he’d clinched all three points for Liverpool with the last kick of the game – only for VAR to pull it back once more – for a marginal Sadio Mane offside in the buildup and both sides had to settle for a point.
