VAR makes history, but causes controversy in Champions League
The Champions League experienced its first use of VAR on Wednesday, and it immediately caused major controversy.
Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois had his blushes spared when the video official overruled an Ajax goal in their Champions League tie.
Nicolas Tagliafico thought he’d scored a close-range header after Courtois fumbled a pretty straight-foward save.
However, after the referee referred the goal to VAR, the video official chalked it off.
It was deemed Dusan Tadic was in an offside position and the winger had interfered with Courtois attempting to make a save.
However Courtois was seemingly beaten with or without the influence, and fans were fuming.
First team to benefit from VAR were Real Madrid. Dubious decision #AJARMA #AjaxRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/MZT6L9AEGq
— Malcolm Sacco (@MalcolmSacco) February 13, 2019
VAR is destroying the joy of football! #AJArea
— Stevie (@1stevieanderson) February 13, 2019
Ref looking at VAR screen whilst listening to Florentino in his ear piece #AJARMA pic.twitter.com/jRQ4wHdZUQ
— Jav 🇪🇸 (@JVRSRN4) February 13, 2019
VAR itself needs review.
— Toufic🔁 (@kharisein) February 13, 2019
VAR is a joke, courtois was never getting near it and none of the madrid players complained about anything https://t.co/Fm1G44A8Tt
— Jamie Purdy (@JamiePurdy1) February 13, 2019
VAR = Video Assisting RealMadrid
❌💵❌💵❌💵❌💵❌💵#AjaxRealMadrid#UCL #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/C0OO90VxEg— RamiBarca (@Rami_theMessi) February 13, 2019
See why – off-side, not involved but, interfering. Equally would’ve had no issue if goal given as it would’ve been without VAR, Courtois meek. As we know here, VAR won’t stop debate.
— David Weiner (@davidweiner9) February 13, 2019
Yes, you can be a mile offside and deemed 'not interfering with play' and therefore a goal can stand, and in terms of VAR it's SUPPOSED to overturn clear and obvious errors – is being offside by half an inch clear and obvious? Nope
— Christian Evans (@ci_evo92) February 13, 2019
It marked the first time a goal has been ruled out by VAR in Europe’s premier competition.
Substitute Marco Asensio went on to score a late winner as Real Madrid won 2-1.
Asensio was unmarked at the far post as he tapped in a cross from the right by Dani Cavajal in the 87th minute to put Madrid in a strong position going into the second leg on March 5.
Son shines as Spurs surge rocks Dortmund
Tottenham took a huge step towards reaching the quarter-finals as Son Heung-min inspired their 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had been under the cosh as Dortmund dominated the first half at Wembley, but Hugo Lloris kept them level with a series of fine saves.
That set the stage for a sublime second half from Tottenham, who were sparked into life by a fine finish from South Korea forward Son.
Son’s fourth goal in his last four appearances took him to 16 for the season, but none have been as priceless as this one.
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen capped his own powerful performance when he swept in their second goal in the closing stages and substitute Fernando Llorente’s late third put the seal on a remarkable result.
with agencies