'Utterly ridiculous': Football world erupts over VAR controversy
Football fans are raging over Liverpool's winning penalty in the UEFA Super Cup that many say should not have been allowed to stand.
Champions League winners Liverpool claimed the trophy against Europa League holders Chelsea via penalty shootout, after the match in Istanbul finished 2-2 after extra time.
However, the winning save from Reds goalkeeper Adrian was mired in controversy.
Tammy Abraham was the unfortunate Chelsea player to have his match-defining spot kick saved but replays showed Adrian was off his line before the Blues striker took his shot.
Inexplicably, the goal was allowed to stand, leaving fans to vent their disapproval on social media.
. @MickyBridges8: "The goalkeeper must have one of their feet on the line, you can clearly see there that he hasn't... why they let that go on I don't know."
Watch the post-game show: https://t.co/76mrCaKv8e pic.twitter.com/c5kYMY6VDA— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2019
In before people start calling me a bitter Chelsea fan. I support Arsenal. Always have done, always will. But I want to see football develop the best it can. And VAR, and all it’s inconsistencies, is not the answer. At least, not in the way it’s currently used.
— Matt Jones (@miniMTJ) August 14, 2019
Nothing happening about Adrian being off the line?
— Jon Andrews (@JonAndrews84) August 14, 2019
So, genuinely what is the point of VAR?! Adrian clearly has both feet off the line when Abraham strikes the ball, but it’s not been retaken. Utterly ridiculous.#VAR #LIVCHE #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/my8fkThWtd
— Matt Jones (@miniMTJ) August 14, 2019
Officials a joke all game. Adrian a yard off his line.
— Luka (@LukaMobilefall5) August 14, 2019
Adrian was off his line for that save on Abraham. No VAR used. 🤔
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) August 14, 2019
Hold on. How is Adrián not off his line there????
Do these VAR rules only apply to penalties during a match?— Joanne (@Joannecolaa) August 14, 2019
Someone clarify for me. Wasn't Adrian off his line?
— Jon Andrews (@JonAndrews84) August 14, 2019
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was at the centre of another controversy when Adrian conceded a penalty in extra time.
Reds keeper at centre of second VAR drama
Starting in place of the injured Alisson, Adrian was called for a controversial foul just moments after Liverpool had taken the lead in extra time through Sadio Mane.
Adrian was deemed to have taken down Abraham as the Chelsea striker chased down a ball in the box, but replays showed that there was minimal contact between the goalkeeper and the forward.
After a brief delay, Chelsea's penalty was confirmed with Jorginho stepping up to the spot and burying it past a helpless Adrian to level the scoreline at 2-2.
The incident led to outrage on social media as fans debated the effectiveness of the video technology.
That's not a penalty
Why have VAR?
Joke— Waqas Mushtaq (@waqasmtq) August 14, 2019
I'm all for VAR but that's a joke. Surely anyone can see that? #LIVCHE
— Adam Lee (@AdamLeeLFC) August 14, 2019
Why have VAR? Joke.#LIVCHE
— Alan Bailey (@albay_10) August 14, 2019
LMAO, VAR is such a joke.
— Charles Adams (@charlesadamst) August 14, 2019
Diving little bastard.
How does a TV company have better angles than the officials and VAR who are meant to control the game.
That’s horrendous.
What is the point in VAR?
Win/Lose/Draw - VAR IS A JOKE!— Andy Grant (@AndyGbootneck) August 14, 2019
VAR controversies aside, the match was a relatively clean one for referee Stephanie Frappart, who become the first female to officiate a major UEFA men's match by taking charge of the European showpiece.
Chelsea opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Olivier Giroud with an assist from Christian Pulisic in his first Chelsea start.
Liverpool then fired back early in the second half with substitute Roberto Firmino finding Mane to level the score.
Mane then gave Liverpool the lead with a rocket of a finish just moments into extra time before Abraham drew the controversial foul on Adrian that allowed Chelsea to send the match to penalties.
With agencies