Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot escaped a red card for a high challenge on Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku last weekend, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former players alike.
The incident, which saw Doku left writhing after the tackle, has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing controversy surrounding video assistant referees, reigniting debates over consistency, fairness, and the limits of technology in football.
VAR’s growing role
Despite repeated errors since its introduction, VAR is set to take on even greater responsibilities. According to The Mirror, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved an expansion of VAR powers to include decisions on second yellow cards and corner kicks.
The move comes amid growing pressure to improve accuracy, even as fans express frustration over delays and perceived mistakes. Last week’s Carabao Cup tie between Newcastle and Manchester City highlighted the challenges, with semi-automated offside technology causing a five-minute stoppage after it failed to locate the ball.
Fan reactions and implementation
Supporters are unlikely to welcome the news, which was confirmed at IFAB’s annual business meeting on Tuesday. Fans have little influence over the rule changes, leaving them to adjust to further interventions in the flow of matches.
According to the BBC, the expanded VAR powers could be implemented from July 1, though they may take effect sooner at the World Cup or in leagues beginning new calendar-year seasons.
A technology under scrutiny
The Dalot-Doku incident underscores the tension between technological oversight and human judgement in modern football.
While VAR aims to provide fairness, repeated controversies have fueled skepticism over its reliability.
