VAR Drama in the Premier League: Two Matches, Two Controversies, Thousands of Questions

When the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was first introduced in the Premier League, many hoped the technology would become football’s “guardian of justice.” Yet behind the monitor, decisions often emerge that split public opinion instead of uniting it.

The third week of the 2025/26 season once again became a stage for controversy. Two big matches—Manchester United vs Burnley and Chelsea vs Fulham—turned into hot debates, not just because of the scoreline, but because VAR became the main actor in the drama.

Old Trafford Erupts: United vs Burnley (3–2)

The 97th-Minute Drama

A tense match from the start reached its climax in the 97th minute. With the score level at 2–2, Amad Diallo burst through Burnley’s defense. His shirt was tugged, he went down, and the stadium fell silent. The referee initially waved play on, but a VAR review changed everything. After checking the monitor, he pointed to the spot.

Bruno Fernandes stepped up. With one composed breath, he beat the Burnley goalkeeper. Old Trafford exploded. United won dramatically, 3–2.

What Did the Experts Say?

• Aftonbladet called the decision “controversial,” as the contact looked minimal.
• GiveMeSport argued the shirt pull started outside the penalty area, meaning it should have been only a free kick.
• Several pundits felt the referee was being too “technical” in applying the rules, without considering the context of the match.

The result? Manchester United smiled in relief, Burnley went home furious, and the public was divided: was it a legitimate penalty or a cheap gift?

Stamford Bridge Heats Up: Chelsea vs Fulham (2–0)

When a Goal Turned Into Disaster

Fulham briefly celebrated an equalizer, but it was short-lived. VAR intervened, found a foul in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed. Not long after, Chelsea were awarded a penalty via another VAR decision that once again raised eyebrows.

Heated Reactions

Marco Silva, Fulham’s manager, was furious: “This isn’t the first time, it’s always the same. VAR seems biased.”

Joe Cole branded the decision “disgraceful”—an embarrassment to modern football.

Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports called it “shocking,” while Rio Ferdinand posted on social media: “VAR is taking the honesty out of the game.”

Fulham felt robbed of their rights, while Chelsea were seen as once again being “favored” by technology.

Expert Perspectives

Stuart Pearce: “The decision in the Chelsea game was ludicrous. VAR should bring clarity, not make things worse.”

Jamie Carragher: “This is a bad advertisement for the Premier League. Fans need certainty, not confusion.”

Rio Ferdinand: “There must be transparency. We deserve to know what was actually discussed between the referee and VAR.”

The experts agreed: the biggest problem is not the technology itself, but the human interpretation behind it.

Football, Drama, and the Question of VAR

Football is drama, and drama thrives on controversy. But when controversy comes from the very technology meant to eliminate it, a big question emerges: is VAR truly the solution, or just another problem?

The matches between Manchester United vs Burnley and Chelsea vs Fulham will be remembered not only for the scores, but as clear evidence that VAR still needs major improvements. The Premier League now stands at a crossroads: fix the system, or continue to lose public trust.

One thing is certain: as long as VAR is used without consistency and transparency, football drama will always have an extra actor—not a player on the pitch, but a monitor screen in the control room.