Did VAR Ruin the Semi-Final Game?

Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, but the match was marred by a controversial VAR decision that disallowed a goal from Antoine Semenyo. The decision has ignited debate regarding the implementation and impact of VAR in football, particularly in high-stakes matches like this one.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Manchester City’s recent performance against Newcastle has raised eyebrows, particularly due to the contentious disallowed goal. The match, which showcased exciting football, ended with City’s two goals, one from Semenyo and another deep into stoppage time from Rayan Cherki. However, the VAR decision surrounding Semenyo's disallowed goal has sparked significant debate, with many feeling it undermines the spirit of the game. This incident has further intensified discussions around the effectiveness of VAR and its role in modern football.

Key takeaways

Manchester City won the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final 2-0 against Newcastle.
Antoine Semenyo's disallowed goal was a pivotal moment, with VAR deciding Erling Haaland was offside during the play.
The VAR decision took over five minutes, leading to widespread criticism from players, pundits, and fans.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key events have unfolded leading to the current controversy surrounding VAR in football:

December 2023: Manchester City and Newcastle previously met in the Premier League, where VAR technology also faced scrutiny.
18 October 2023: In the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Semenyo scored a goal that was later disallowed after a lengthy VAR check.
Post-match: Pep Guardiola and players expressed frustration over the decision and the VAR process.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant update is the disallowance of Semenyo’s goal due to VAR intervention. The goal was ruled out after it was determined that Haaland was offside and interfering with play, leading to a lengthy review process that frustrated players and fans alike.

What was already established

Prior to this match, there has been ongoing criticism regarding VAR's implementation in football. Many have voiced concerns that VAR often detracts from the excitement of the game rather than enhances it. This incident only adds to the growing list of controversial VAR decisions made in crucial matches.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the match itself does not directly impact household finances, the ongoing controversy surrounding VAR may affect fan engagement and viewership. If fans become disenchanted with the game due to perceived injustices, it could have downstream effects on merchandise sales, attendance, and overall support for clubs.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs rely heavily on their fan bases for revenue through ticket sales and merchandise, and any decline in support can impact jobs both directly and indirectly associated with football. If VAR continues to generate controversy, clubs may need to find new ways to engage fans and maintain attendance.

Policy and regulation

As discussions about VAR's future in football intensify, there may be calls for regulatory reviews or changes to how the technology is implemented. The reactions from players, managers, and fans could influence governing bodies to reconsider their current stance and potentially amend rules regarding offside and VAR usage.

Numbers that matter

2-0: The final score of the match, with Manchester City taking a strong lead in the semi-finals.
5 minutes 30 seconds: The duration of the VAR check that led to the disallowance of Semenyo's goal.
65 million: The transfer fee for Antoine Semenyo, highlighting the high stakes involved for players in significant matches.

Definitions and jargon buster

VAR: Video Assistant Referee, a technology used to review decisions made by the on-field referee.
Offside: A rule violation in football where an attacking player is in front of the last defender when the ball is played to them.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans and clubs will be observing how the governing bodies address the backlash surrounding VAR. The focus will be on any announcements regarding potential changes or reviews of the technology.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the football season progresses, ongoing debates about VAR will likely continue to be a focal point for discussions surrounding match officiating. Clubs may need to form strategies for addressing fan concerns and maintaining engagement.

Signals to watch

Official statements from the Premier League and the Football Association regarding VAR.
Public sentiment and fan engagement levels in response to VAR decisions.
Potential proposals for changing offside rules or VAR implementation practices.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed on updates regarding VAR discussions and changes in the rules.
Engage with your local club and participate in discussions about officiating and fan experiences.

Don’t

Ignore the ongoing debates surrounding VAR and its impact on the game.
Let frustration with VAR lead to disengagement from supporting your team.

Checklist

Monitor official club communications regarding VAR changes.
Participate in fan forums or discussions to voice opinions on officiating.
Keep track of upcoming matches and how VAR decisions may affect outcomes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation surrounding VAR is fluid, and as discussions evolve, there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness and necessity of the technology. The subjective nature of offside rulings remains a contentious issue, and while some argue for stricter adherence to the rules, others feel that the spirit of the game should be prioritised. As such, there remains uncertainty about how these debates will ultimately shape the future of officiating in football.

Bottom line

The recent match between Manchester City and Newcastle underscores the ongoing debate about VAR in football. While the technology aims to enhance accuracy, its controversial application has raised questions about its role in the sport. As discussions continue, both fans and clubs must navigate these complexities and advocate for a solution that aligns with the essence of the game.

FAQs

Why was Semenyo's goal disallowed?

Semenyo's goal was disallowed after VAR determined that Erling Haaland was offside and interfered with play, impacting Newcastle’s ability to defend against the shot.

What are the implications of this VAR decision for Manchester City?

The disallowed goal may fuel further frustrations among Manchester City players and fans, but it could also galvanise the team to rally and perform better in upcoming matches.

How has VAR technology impacted football in recent years?

VAR technology has been implemented to reduce human error in officiating but has faced criticism for its lengthy reviews and subjective decisions that can detract from the excitement of the game.