VAR has always been a controversial addition to the world of football, with some inputs from the technology being vital to ensure the right call is made on the pitch, and other times it has been entirely questionable.
Unfortunately for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, a VAR decision was the final nail in the coffin which saw the club part ways with the Dutchman.
Ten Hag was already on the brink of being sacked after a run of poor results last season only got worse at the start of this year’s campaign.
However, the final game of ten Hag’s tenure was a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, with the winner being from a penalty as VAR got involved.
VAR official Michael Oliver decided that Danny Ings was brought down by Matthijs de Ligt, despite the play continuing on field, with the official advising David Coote to review the incident.
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Referees chief believes Manchester United was wronged by VAR
Manchester Evening News has reported that speaking after the event, referees chief Howard Webb has confirmed that that he believes it was the wrong decision, commenting: “I thought it was a misread by the VAR.”
He continued: “A VAR that is normally really talented and reliable but gets uber-focused – in this situation – on De Ligt’s leg. His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball is already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings – and the VAR sees that as a clear foul.
“I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don’t think that he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we would leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it is called. On balance, I don’t think it is a penalty kick.”
Despite the controversy, the loss unfortunately for ten Hag came as the final straw, with United dispatching the manger, with the run off poor performances too great to ignore, replacing him with Ruben Amorim.
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