VAR controversy forces Premier League to face urgent debate

Adrian Durham has renewed his campaign to scrap VAR from the Premier League, arguing it makes referees look stupid after a contentious decision in the Manchester derby. In the 60th minute at Old Trafford, Erling Haaland’s winner for Manchester City was awarded following a lengthy VAR review that over‑turned an off‑side flag.

Goal controversy and VAR review

The goal originated from Josko Gvardiol’s cross at the far post, which Erling Haaland met in the 60th minute. The on‑field assistant initially raised the off‑side flag, but a VAR check overturned the decision, ruling that the striker was played on‑side by the foot of Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu, a moment captured in Getty photographs of Haaland’s celebration. The Man encounter underscored how technology can dictate outcomes, yet the review failed to consider that Enzo Fernandez had been off‑side in the build‑up and interfered with play.

Pro Ref, the body that oversees refereeing in England, later admitted the error, saying Michael Oliver should have been instructed to review the incident. Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb is set to discuss the mistake on Tuesday. The VAR officials involved have been removed from duty for the following weekend. Adrian Durham called the decision a stain on the game and urged that VAR be scrapped or at least partially removed. The VAR officials involved have been removed from duty for the following weekend.

Adrian Durham, speaking on, called the decision a stain on the game and urged that VAR be scrapped or at least partially removed. He argued that the technology, introduced in the 2019/20 season, has become a costly obstacle to removal, noting the expense of installing VAR in stadia. Co‑host Sam Matterface highlighted that the investment could have been directed to grassroots football.

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Pundits and calls for reform

Former Manchester United captain Michael Carrick blasted the officials, claiming the ruling was ‘not the rules’. Ex‑referee Dermot Gallagher told he could not believe an off‑side call was ignored. Steve Bruce added that the VAR call was the worst he had witnessed, pointing out that Fernandez was five yards off‑side.

The Ref’s authority was undermined by the inconsistent application of the off‑side rule, reigniting the broader debate about VAR’s place in the Premier League. Critics argue it makes referees look stupid and fans question its value.

Durham concluded that the Pro Ref’s handling of the incident “stinks”, urging the governing bodies to stay in their lane and let football run without further VAR interference. He warned that without decisive action, the Premier League risks losing credibility among fans.