Tag: VAR

Slot Rages at Non-Penalty in Leeds Draw and Says Liverpool Must Stay “Who We Are”

Arne Slot
January 2026

Arne Slot criticised refereeing after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Leeds, arguing Hugo Ekitike was denied a penalty because he stayed on his feet. Slot said Liverpool must keep their identity while pointing to what he views as a pattern of softer penalties being given against them. Slot cited multiple incidents this season where Liverpool did not receive spot-kicks after contact, while conceding penalties for minimal contact. He argued this dynamic influences players to stay upright, making it harder for referees and VAR to award penalties.

United Fans Outraged As Semenyo Avoids Red For Dalot Flashpoint

Antoine Semenyo
December 2025

Manchester United supporters erupted online after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo escaped a red card for appearing to put his hand around Diogo Dalot’s throat during a heated confrontation, with VAR and the on-field referee settling on a yellow despite furious protests. The flashpoint came with the score at 1-1 as players from both sides piled in and Bruno Fernandes intervened, prompting claims of double standards from United fans on social media, who labelled the decision “pathetic” and argued similar incidents had previously brought dismissals.

Maresca fumes over Hincapie elbow after Caicedo sending off

Piero Hincapie
December 2025

Enzo Maresca argued Piero Hincapie should have been sent off for elbowing Trevoh Chalobah under the eye, criticising what he sees as inconsistent refereeing after Moises Caicedo was correctly dismissed for a dangerous tackle and referencing previous leniency shown to Rodrigo Bentancur against Chelsea. Hincapie received only a yellow following VAR review on the aerial clash that left Chalobah with visible facial swelling, while Caicedo’s studs-up lunge on Mikel Merino was upgraded to red, prompting Maresca to accept the dismissal but demand clarity on why similar high and reckless challenges are judged differently week to week.

Webb denies complaint cost Lisa Benn her FIFA role

Howard Webb
November 2025

Referee Lisa Benn has told an employment tribunal she was grabbed and “manhandled” by PGMOL coach Steve Child during a March 2023 VAR training game, claiming her complaint led to weaker references and ultimately cost her a place on FIFA’s international officials list. Child denies grabbing her, describing only a light guiding arm and rejecting accusations of sexist behaviour, while a PGMOL investigation deemed his conduct below the threshold for discipline; Benn insists female referees were treated differently and that her career progression stalled after speaking up.

PGMOL backs VAR: Van Dijk equaliser rightly ruled out

Virgil van Dijk
November 2025

PGMOL confirmed the offside decision that cancelled Van Dijk’s header versus Manchester City was correct, citing Andy Robertson’s offside position and clear ducking action near the goalkeeper as interfering with play under Law 11. Liverpool had lodged a formal complaint. Webb explained the on-field team judged Robertson’s movement affected the keeper’s ability to attempt a save and VAR upheld it as not “clearly and obviously wrong.” The call remained subjective but within protocol, closing Liverpool’s challenge despite ongoing debate over interference thresholds.

Referee Mariani stood down after Napoli–Inter penalty controversy

Maurizio Mariani
October 2025

Designator Gianluca Rocchi “stopped” referee Mariani and assistant Bindoni following a delayed flag that precipitated a soft Napoli penalty, plus a missed Inter handball. The procedural “short circuit” and “too serious errors” could see Mariani demoted. Kevin De Bruyne converted the contentious spot-kick as Napoli regained top spot in a fiery title-race fixture.

Slot brands Brentford loss Liverpool’s worst of the streak

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
October 2025

Slot decried basics and duels lost as Liverpool slumped to a fourth successive league defeat, slipping to sixth. He bemoaned two calls: a denied Gakpo penalty before Brentford’s second, and a VAR penalty against Van Dijk converted by Thiago. Goals from Ouattara, Schade, Kerkez and Salah framed a chaotic setback that further dents the champions’ title defence.

Slot calls Brentford loss Liverpool’s worst of four straight

Arne Slot (Liverpool)
October 2025

Slot lamented basics, duels and second balls as Liverpool slipped to sixth after a fourth straight league defeat. He questioned two decisions: a denied Gakpo penalty and a VAR-awarded foul on Van Dijk for Brentford’s spot kick. Goals from Ouattara, Schade, Kerkez, Thiago and Salah framed a chaotic night that could leave Liverpool seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

Ex-Ref Halsey Slams VAR Over Collins Decision

Mark Halsey
September 2025

Former referee Mark Halsey branded “absolute nonsense” the decision not to send off Brentford’s Nathan Collins for hauling down Bryan Mbeumo in the box. VAR backed Craig Pawson’s yellow card call, ruling Mbeumo lacked control, before Bruno Fernandes missed the penalty. Halsey argued the laws require assessing the likelihood of maintaining control, not existing control, insisting it was a clear denial of a goalscoring chance. He said Manchester United were rightly furious and claimed a red card “should absolutely have been shown.”

Real Madrid Push Refereeing Review After VAR Blunder

Real Madrid
September 2025

Real Madrid are challenging Spain’s refereeing structure after Dean Huijsen’s controversial red card in their 2-1 win at Real Sociedad. The Technical Committee of Referees will review the incident, with VAR official Figueroa Vazquez likely to be sidelined for failing to intervene. Madrid plan to escalate complaints to FIFA, submitting reports of refereeing errors across two seasons. The club’s official channel condemned the decision, accusing officials of damaging sporting integrity, and called for international oversight to improve Spanish officiating standards in the wake of repeated controversies.

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