After yesterday’s contentious penalty decision, Mats Hummels definitely doesn’t support the use of VAR.
VAR in soccer has faced criticism since its introduction in Europe. The refereeing system and decision-making have been repeatedly criticized by players, management, and fans. The Champions League Round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and PSV was no exception, as it was surrounded by controversy involving VAR.
The Dortmund defender and German international found himself at the center of a ‘controversial’ decision on Tuesday night. He was furious when the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Hummels made it clear that he had made initial contact with the ball, gesturing with his hands in the shape of a football. Despite consulting VAR, the referee did not change his decision.
Twitter was quick to react, with many expressing their disbelief at the penalty decision. Hummels also took to Twitter to vent his frustration, criticizing VAR and the referees’ decision-making against his team in previous seasons, including matches against Chelsea and PSG.
PSV equalized from the penalty and managed to hold on for the rest of the game. Hummels’ anger led him to highlight the ‘injustice’ his team has faced in previous Champions League seasons.
Mats Hummels is clearly not a fan of VAR. His team failed to secure a crucial away win due to what he believes was an ‘unfair’ decision by the referee. While fans debated whether the home team deserved the penalty or not, experts also shared their opinions. CBS rules analyst provided further insight, suggesting that the preferred decision should have been ‘no penalty’.
She explained that Hummels did make contact with the ball before catching the PSV player. However, she also acknowledged why the VAR officials may have upheld the on-field decision. While there was visible contact with the ball, it was minimal.
The reason the tackle was given as a penalty is because the contact on the PSV forward could be seen as reckless or careless by the officials. Many fans expressed their disappointment with the referee’s ‘poor’ call and pointed out instances where Dortmund has been ‘robbed’ in the Champions League. With the 1-1 draw, both PSV and Dortmund have everything to play for in the second leg at Westfalenstadion.
According to the Source firstsportz.com