Without VAR, FIFA referees are also wrong?

The match between Song Lam Nghe An and Nam Dinh Blue Steel Club did not have VAR, causing FIFA referee Tran Ngoc Anh to make a controversial decision at Vinh Stadium.

Olaha's tackle and the controversial decision of the FIFA referee - Photo: CMH

On the evening of August 23, round 2 of V-League 2025-2026 took place with 5 matches taking place at almost the same time, of which 4 matches started at 6:00 p.m., one match took place at 7:15 p.m. Therefore, only 4 matches had VAR support.

The match between Song Lam Nghe An and Nam Dinh FC was scheduled to be without VAR. FIFA referee Tran Ngoc Anh was assigned to officiate with 3 colleagues.

The situation happened in the 47th minute, striker Olaha of Song Lam Nghe An scored a goal, but FIFA referee Tran Ngoc Anh did not recognize it. He thought that Olaha let the ball touch his hand before finishing.

The play happened quite quickly, Olaha raised his hand when the ball touched him, so there was confusion. The referee had a diagonal view from behind and blew the whistle as soon as he made the decision.

However, the slow-motion replay showed that the ball hit Olaha in the chest. If VAR was available, FIFA referee Tran Ngoc Anh would have been assisted by his colleagues to correct the mistake when reviewing the on-field monitor.

Of course, Olaha and his teammates reacted strongly to the referee's judgment. The captain of Song Lam Nghe An said that the ball touched his chest and not his hand.

FIFA referee Tran Ngoc Anh was protested by players - Photo: XUAN THUY

This situation shows that without VAR, FIFA referees also find it difficult to make the right decision. Luckily, Song Lam Nghe An later had another goal from Reon Moore.

Song Lam Nghe An beat defending champions Nam Dinh 2-1 thanks to Ngo Van Luong and Moore. The joy of 3 points made coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team forget Olaha's cancelled goal.

Referee Tran Ngoc Anh has just been upgraded to FIFA status to become one of the five male FIFA referees of Vietnamese football from December 2024, along with Mr. Ngo Duy Lan (FIFA Elite), Hoang Ngoc Ha, Nguyen Manh Hai and Le Vu Linh.

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QUANG THINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khong-co-var-trong-tai-fifa-cung-sai-20250823213128699.htm