Is VAR Finally Making the Right Calls? Fans Weigh In on Controversial Refereeing Decisions

In the wake of fierce debate surrounding recent decisions made by VAR in football, fans of both Manchester United and Rangers find themselves embroiled in discussions that highlight the contentious nature of officiating in the sport. These discussions become particularly heated after key moments in matches that seem to draw glaring inconsistencies from officials, leaving supporters questioning the effectiveness of technology in the game. The latest drama unfolded during Manchester United's Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao, which ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for the Red Devils. Three first-half goals put United on the brink of reaching the final, but it is not just their success that has drawn attention; rather, it's the shadow of VAR’s influence on the match. Rangers fans are still reeling from their semi-final exit against the same opponents just two weeks prior, a match marked by two controversial incidents involving the same player: Dani Vivian. In a moment of chaos during that match, Cyriel Dessers was denied what many assumed was a clear penalty when Vivian yanked on his shirt inside the box. The absence of a foul call from the on-field referee sparked outrage; VAR did not intervene, leading to claims of injustice. After the match, Dessers revealed that Vivian had acknowledged to him that it should have been a penalty, only exacerbating the frustration of Rangers supporters. The fallout was immediate; fans took to social media, expressing their disbelief and anger that such a clear infringement went unpunished. Fast forward to the encounter involving Manchester United where Vivian was again in the spotlight. This time, a similar incident occurred when Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Vivian just yards from the goal line. Unlike the previous game, VAR not only intervened but led to the issuance of a penalty and a red card for Vivian after he was called to review the footage. This decision ignited social media uproar among Rangers fans who felt that justice had only been delivered two weeks too late. As one Rangers supporter put it: "How could Man United get this one but they didn’t give the one on Dessers a few weeks ago?" The sentiment was echoed across platforms, with many claiming it was a mere case of payback for Dessers’ earlier travesty—a notion that raises questions about the consistency of refereeing and VAR’s role in it.

Despite the end result being in United's favour, the question remains: Is VAR truly fixing the inconsistencies in football, or is it merely amplifying disputes amongst fans? Reactions to the contrasting decisions reflect a broader discontent with how technology is integrated into officiating. As the football world grapples with these issues, one thing remains certain: VAR has become a lightning rod for debate. Whether it functions as a force for fairness or a source of frustration will continue to be scrutinised—by fans, pundits, and clubs alike. As the season progresses, what are your thoughts on the impact of VAR on matches like these? Should it be overhauled, or is it already working as intended? Leave your comments below and join the conversation!

• Cyriel Dessers
• Rasmus Hojlund
• VAR

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