Top Moments When VAR Was Wrong In Football

“People enjoy VAR if the decision goes for the supporting team but despise them when it goes against them”

A line that suits modern football fans.

Although there have been some errors from VAR, we cannot deny that it has been completely reckless and biased. It has helped football gain ground on fair play and moderation of rules. 

But today we have put down a serious list of when VAR got it completely wrong, sparking controversy and outrage among fans, players, and pundits.

1. Luis Díaz’s Disallowed Goal – Tottenham vs. Liverpool (2023)

One of the most shocking VAR blunders in history. 

Luis Díaz scored a perfectly legal goal against Tottenham, but due to a miscommunication between VAR officials and the on-field referee, the goal was ruled offside. 

The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) later admitted it was a "significant human error."

“A bit strange” was the reaction from Jurgen Klopp, the then-manager of Liverpool. 

2. West Ham vs. Chelsea – 2022 (Cornet's Equalizer Ruled Out)

Maxwel Cornet scored a late equalizer for West Ham, but VAR disallowed the goal for an alleged foul by Jarrod Bowen on Chelsea’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. 

The contact was minimal, yet the goal was controversially chalked off, leaving fans furious.

David Moyes was furious at the decision as he was seen visibly irritated. 

3. Gabriel Martinelli's Disallowed Goal – Manchester United vs. Arsenal (2022)

Martinelli put Arsenal ahead at Old Trafford, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal out due to an alleged foul by Ødegaard on Eriksen. 

Replays showed there was barely any contact, leading to major criticism of the decision.

4. The Phantom Offside – Ajax vs. Chelsea (2019)

Chelsea’s goal against Ajax was ruled out for offside, despite clear evidence that no player was offside. 

The decision baffled both teams and fans, leading to questions about VAR’s reliability.

5. Manchester United’s Offside Goal – FA Cup 2024

Casemiro was offside in the buildup to a goal against Nottingham Forest, yet VAR failed to intervene. 

Even though the replay showed he was beyond the last defender, the goal stood, making it one of the biggest VAR mistakes of the season.

6. Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United (2020) – Goal-Line Technology & VAR Failure

Sheffield United scored a goal that was clearly over the line, but VAR and goal-line technology failed to intervene.

It was later revealed that the goal-line system had a rare failure, but VAR officials still could correct it and didn’t.

7. Arsenal vs. Brentford (2023) – VAR Forgetting to Draw Lines

Brentford’s equalizer against Arsenal should have been ruled out for offside, but VAR officials forgot to draw the offside lines. 

This massive mistake led to dropped points for Arsenal in a title race.

8. Wolves vs. Newcastle (2023) – Fabio Silva Denied a Clear Penalty

Fabio Silva was clearly fouled in the box by a Newcastle defender, but VAR refused to overturn the decision. 

Replays showed Silva was taken out without getting the ball, yet VAR shockingly stuck with the on-field referee’s call.

9. Japan vs. Spain (2022 World Cup) – The ‘Millimeters’ Goal

Japan’s goal against Spain was allowed to stand despite the ball appearing to be out of play. 

VAR used a unique camera angle to justify the decision, but many experts and fans remained unconvinced, sparking debate worldwide.

10. Portugal vs. Serbia (2021) – Ronaldo’s Disallowed Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a clear goal, but the referee and VAR didn’t award it, claiming the ball hadn’t crossed the line. 

Since goal-line technology wasn’t used in that game, the mistake cost Portugal a crucial win.