5 Times VAR Decisions Left Football Fans Outraged

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to make football fairer, but at times, it has sparked major controversy.

A Manchester United star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.

Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.

He scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.

As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”

The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.

The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.

The second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.

The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.

It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.

Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.

He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.

They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.

United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.

The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.

He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.

Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.

Here are five instances where VAR (Video Assistant Referee) interventions led to football fan’s disappointment:

1. Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad (2025-Europa League)

In a Europa League match, multiple penalties were awarded to Manchester United, with fans and pundits criticizing VAR for failing to overturn questionable calls. The controversy even led to jokes among players about bribing the referee.

2. Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid (2025 – Champions League)

Julián Álvarez’s penalty was disallowed because he accidentally touched the ball twice after slipping. VAR caught the double contact, but fans argued the decision was too harsh, as the second touch was unintentional. UEFA later considered reviewing the rule.

3. Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2023 – Premier League)

Liverpool’s Luis Díaz scored a goal that was wrongly disallowed for offside due to a major VAR miscommunication. The referees failed to realize the on-field decision was offside and did not overrule it, leading to an official apology from PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).

4. Manchester City vs. Everton (2022 – Premier League)

Rodri appeared to handle the ball inside City’s penalty area, but VAR chose not to award a penalty. Everton fans were outraged, and even the Premier League later admitted it was a mistake. The decision had title race implications, as Manchester City went on to win the league.

5. Argentina vs. France (2022 – World Cup Final)

France fans were furious when VAR awarded Argentina a controversial penalty after Ángel Di María went down under minimal contact. Many believed the decision gave Argentina an unfair advantage in a tightly contested final.