Home / Sports / VAR Controversy: Shoulder Offside Sparks Outrage in Belgium
VAR Controversy: Shoulder Offside Sparks Outrage in Belgium
24 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A Westerlo goal was disallowed for a fractional offside by a shoulder.
- Club officials decried the VAR decision, calling it a 'disgrace'.
- Brazil will implement semi-automatic offside technology in 2026.
In a recent Jupiler Pro League match, a goal scored by Westerlo against La Gantoise was disallowed by VAR for an offside so marginal it involved only a sliver of a player's shoulder.
The controversial decision, which occurred around the hour mark of the 0-0 draw, significantly impacted Westerlo's fight against relegation. Club officials and the coach expressed outrage, with the vice president lamenting the cost and perceived failure of VAR technology.
Coach Issame Charai criticized the decision, emphasizing that any doubt should favor the attacking team according to the rules. This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding VAR's implementation and accuracy in football across Europe, while Brazil prepares to adopt similar technology in 2026.
