Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has unleashed a furious tirade against the Video Assistant Referee system, branding it "a shambles" following Manchester United's dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The controversy erupted during the dying moments of extra time at Old Trafford when United's Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal to eliminate Liverpool from the competition. The celebration turned chaotic as Diallo received his second yellow card for removing his shirt during the euphoric moment, resulting in his sending off.
However, Lineker's fury wasn't directed at the young Ivorian's impulsive celebration, but at the VAR officials themselves. The former England striker questioned why the video review team felt the need to meticulously check the goal for a potential offside in the build-up, despite the incident occurring directly from a Liverpool corner in United's half.
"The VAR check for offside was a shambles," Lineker declared on social media platform X. "What on earth were they doing even looking for an offside? It came from a Liverpool corner, for goodness' sake. It's just nonsense."
His co-host on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer, echoed the sentiment, adding to the growing frustration with the technology that was meant to clear up controversy, not create it. "It's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous," Shearer stated emphatically.
The incident has sparked yet another fierce debate about the implementation of VAR in English football, with fans and pundits alike questioning the consistency and common sense applied by those operating the technology. The lengthy delay for a check that seemed unnecessary to many has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing saga surrounding video officiating.
Despite the late drama and Diallo's dismissal, United secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, where they will face Championship side Coventry City next month.
