Leipzig scandal: PSV's penalty blunder shakes up the VAR world

On Tuesday evening at the Red Bull Arena, PSV saw a 1‑0 defeat against RB Leipzig, while the Eindhoven players in Germany at times seemed to play equally well but failed to finish their chances.

Missed penalty and VAR‑intervention

A alleged handball by Ridle Baku led to a penalty. Ivan Perisic shot straight through the middle and struck the toe of Maarten Vandevoordt, causing the chance to disappear.

Criticism from analysts and former player

Analyst Kees Kwakman called the decision “too bizarre for words” after an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and criticised the referee and his assistant. “They don’t understand what is natural and unnatural…”, Kwakman said in van.

Former PSV striker Danny Koevermans, who is now an amateur referee, agreed: “Nobody got it, not a single player. It was a gift and really another ridiculous VAR decision.”

Who takes the penalty?

Arnold Bruggink also called the situation “a gift”. Kwakman suggested that coach Ruud Bosz must make clear who the regular penalty taker will be. Normally Ricardo Pepi would get the task, but he is injured; Sven Mijnans missed an earlier chance. Kwakman proposed Ruben van Bommel as an alternative.

The combination of a missed penalty, a controversial VAR decision and the dissatisfaction of both analysts and former players makes the Leipzig incident one of the most discussed moments of the evening.