UEFA’s Biggest Controversies: VAR, Penalties, and Questionable Calls

UEFA competitions like the Champions League, Europa League, and European Championship are among the most prestigious tournaments in football. However, they have also been marred by major controversies, particularly surrounding refereeing decisions, the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), and contentious penalty calls. These incidents have sparked debates among fans, players, and managers, raising questions about fairness and consistency in officiating.

1. The Impact of VAR – A Double-Edged Sword

VAR was introduced to reduce refereeing errors, but its implementation in UEFA competitions has been far from flawless. While it has corrected some glaring mistakes, critics argue that it disrupts the flow of the game and creates confusion due to inconsistent interpretations.

Key VAR Controversies:

• Tottenham vs. Man City (2019 UCL QF): Raheem Sterling’s late winner was dramatically ruled out for offside by VAR, sending Tottenham through on away goals. The decision was correct, but the razor-thin margin reignited debates over whether VAR reviews were killing spontaneous celebrations.
• PSG vs. Man Utd (2019 UCL Last 16): A controversial handball call against Presnel Kimpembe in stoppage time awarded United a decisive penalty, which Marcus Rashford converted. Many argued that the penalty was harsh, given the proximity and lack of intent.
• Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (2024 UCL SF): A last-minute Matthijs de Ligt potential equalizer was disallowed after the linesman flagged for offside before the play concluded, preventing a full VAR review. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel called it a "disgrace."

2. Contentious Penalty Decisions

Penalty calls often decide high-stakes UEFA matches, sparking heated debates.

Notable Examples:

• Chelsea vs. Barcelona (2009 UCL SF): Tom Henning Øvrebø’s refereeing was widely criticized after Chelsea were denied multiple penalty appeals, allowing Barcelona to advance with a last-minute Andrés Iniesta goal.
• England vs. Netherlands (2024 Euros SF): England was awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review ruled that Denzel Dumfries fouled Harry Kane. The decision sparked outrage, with Dutch fans claiming Kane initiated the contact.
• Real Madrid vs. Juventus (2018 UCL QF): A last-minute penalty awarded to Real Madrid after Medhi Benatia’s challenge on Lucas Vázquez led to Gianluigi Buffon’s furious red-card protest and Juventus’ elimination.

3. Questionable Refereeing Calls Without VAR

Before VAR, blatant errors shaped the outcomes of crucial games.

• Manchester United vs. Porto (2004 UCL Last 16): A late Costinha goal for Porto—after a disputed offside call—knocked United out and propelled José Mourinho’s side toward their historic Champions League win.
• Barcelona vs. Chelsea (2012 UCL SF): Despite being down to 10 men, Chelsea overcame Barcelona with Fernando Torres’ famous late goal. However, the match was filled with debatable calls, including a red card for John Terry and missed Barça penalty appeals.

Conclusion

While VAR has improved decision-making in some cases, UEFA continues to face criticism over inconsistency in its application. Controversial calls, whether penalty decisions or offside rulings, remain an enduring part of European football debates. Until refereeing standards become more transparent and uniform, fans and teams will keep questioning the fairness of the beautiful game’s biggest stages.