Derby County pulled off an incredible comeback in the FA Cup last night.
2-0 down with 20 minutes left on the clock, with the help of an ex-Ger, they managed to turn it around and progress to the Fourth Round.
Waghorn tucks away a penalty after his normal time heroics. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
VAR is a subject of great debate in British football these days.
While as yet, there are no plans for its introduction in Scotland, it will be used in the English Premier League from next season.
As a way of breaking in players and officials, it’s already in operation during the FA Cup.
Reported Rangers target Craig Bryson, probably wishes it wasn’t.
Bryson confidently rolled a finish past Angus Gunn, before VAR promptly ruined the celebrations. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
After a several minute delay, though, the initial decision to award the goal was cancelled, and offside given against Waghorn in the build-up.
Was the right decision made?
Despite the use of the technology, not everyone was convinced the correct call was made.
BBC pundits Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas and Gary Lineker felt Derby were robbed.
There is an argument to say that the offside rule allows black and white decisions to be made. It’s either off or it isn’t.
However, in this instance, even with lines all over the screen, it’s hard to tell.
Derby can feel a bit hard done by with that decision, according to the boys in the studio.
Live: @BBCOnehttps://t.co/rzGHGKxKrB#FACup pic.twitter.com/F56pNfuJYB
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 16, 2019
Waghorn’s foot is over the yellow line which is supposed to indicate offside. The BBC pundits argued though, that defender Vestergaard’s shoulder is actually level with the ex-Ger.
Regardless, as it took so long for the officials to decide, there was no clear and obvious mistake to overturn.
A timely reminder then, that although there is frequent consternation about the standard of refereeing in Scotland, sometimes even with technology, comes controversy.