Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, but a red card incident involving South Africa's Themba Zwane and his confused reaction to the referee's explanation in English quickly became a viral meme, overshadowing the match's outcome.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, but a red card incident involving Themba Zwane and referee Wilton Sampaio's English explanation became a viral meme, overshadowing the match's outcome.
A controversial VAR decision in a Scottish football match between Celtic and Motherwell sparks widespread criticism, highlighting the system's flaws and its detrimental impact on the fan experience, with calls for its removal.
Controversial VAR decisions in Premier League (Arsenal vs. West Ham) and Scottish Premiership (Celtic vs. Motherwell) highlight differences in approach and resource limitations, sparking debate over VAR's effectiveness and impact on fan perception.
Hearts coach Derek McInnes criticizes a 'disgusting' 99th-minute VAR penalty decision for Celtic, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race undecided until the final day.
Hearts coach Derek McInnes criticizes a 'disgusting' 99th-minute VAR penalty decision that allowed Celtic to win 3-2, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race undecided until the final day.
Howard Webb supports VAR's decision to overturn West Ham's goal due to Pablo's foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya, deeming it 'clear and obvious' despite the referee initially missing it.
VAR disallows West Ham's equaliser against Arsenal due to foul on goalkeeper David Raya, sparking controversy and debate over consistency in refereeing decisions
Referees' chief Howard Webb confirms the VAR decision to disallow West Ham's late equaliser against Arsenal was correct due to a foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya by West Ham's Pablo, impacting the Premier League standings.
Referees' chief Howard Webb confirms a consultation on excessive grappling in the penalty area will occur at the end of the season, following controversy over VAR disallowing West Ham's late equaliser against Arsenal due to a foul on the goalkeeper.
A controversial VAR decision to disallow West Ham's late equalizer against Arsenal, citing a foul on the goalkeeper, will be discussed at the end of the season. The decision, backed by referees' chief Howard Webb, has sparked debate over consistency in refereeing.
Southampton face Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff semi-final second leg amidst spying allegations
The Gunners’ title charge was strengthened by a goal called back, in a perfect encapsulation of what modern soccer has becomeSign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterA corner. A melee. Bodies everywhere. Blocks and tugs, pulls and shoves. A VAR decision. Fury. Empty noise. A title perhaps decided; a significant impact on the relegation battle. Shouting. Confused pundits ranting. Social media figures rallying to the side they were always going to take. Welcome to modern soccer.After what looked like an injury-time equaliser for West Ham was ruled out on Sunday, Arsenal now need only to beat Burnley and Crystal Palace to be sure of their first Premier League title in 21 years. In the relegation scrap, West Ham are a point behind Tottenham, who play at home to Leeds, now safe, on Monday evening. But the big issue is a VAR decision. Of course it is: this is 2025-26. Continue reading...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his view that the penalty awarded against Atletico Madrid for a foul on Eberechi Eze was not a clear and obvious error, suggesting VAR should not have intervened. The match ended in a draw.
A VAR controversy in the Asian Champions League semi-final saw referee Shaun Evans escorted off the pitch by police after ruling out Shabab Al-Ahli's last-gasp equaliser against Machida Zelvia. The goal was disallowed because the UAE side restarted play with a throw-in while Machida were still making a substitution. Coach Paulo Sousa stormed down the tunnel before full-time and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqbaali was sent off after the final whistle. Machida will face Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the final on 25 April.
