Red Cards & Reversals: 10 Times VAR Ruined (or Saved) Betting Slips

Since its introduction, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been one of football’s biggest disruptors, not just for managers and players, but for fans and punters alike. A single frame, a pixelated offside line, or a second look at a tackle could swing the outcome of bets worldwide. 

Whether you’ve cheered a last-minute VAR check or cursed the screen when a goal was chalked off, one thing is certain: VAR has forever changed the betting landscape. Here are 10 moments where VAR may have turned some wagers upside down, or rescued them.

1. Tottenham vs Manchester City (2019, Champions League)

A stoppage-time winner from Raheem Sterling seemed to put City through, sending punters with “City to qualify” slips into celebration. VAR spotted Sergio Agüero offside in the build-up. Goal disallowed. Spurs advanced. 

2. South Korea vs Germany (2018 World Cup)

Germany’s shock exit was sealed when VAR confirmed Kim Young-gwon’s goal. What looked like offside was overturned, which was catastrophic for many German backers. South Korea would go on to double their lead with another goal in added time, knocking the holders out at the group stage. 

3. Manchester United vs PSG (2019, Champions League)

In stoppage time, VAR awarded United a penalty for Presnel Kimpembe’s handball. Marcus Rashford converted, eliminating PSG on away goals. Outright bettors on PSG qualification were left disappointed.

4. Brighton vs Manchester United (2020, Premier League)

After the final whistle, VAR intervened to award United a penalty for handball. Bruno Fernandes scored, turning draws into losses for bettors and giving ‘United to win’ backers a dramatic late victory.

5. Italy vs Austria (EURO 2020, Round of 16)

Austria thought they’d won the game through a Marko Arnautović header, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Those who’d backed the underdogs were therefore left disappointed as the tie finished 0-0 after 90 minutes. Italy went on to win the game in extra time.

6. West Brom vs Brighton (2021, Premier League)

Lewis Dunk scored a quick free-kick, seemingly equalising for Brighton. VAR chalked it off for being taken before the whistle. Confusion reigned, and so did punter frustration as the goal was disallowed and then awarded before it was eventually chalked off. The visitors also missed two penalties during the contest.

7. Chelsea vs Ajax (2019, Champions League)

VAR confirmed two penalties for Chelsea and red cards for Ajax defenders in a chaotic 4-4 draw. Bettors who backed goals were smiling; Ajax win backers weren’t.

8. Portugal vs Iran (2018 World Cup)

VAR controversy dominated this World Cup group stage game. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and was booked after a lengthy VAR check for a red card. Iran scored a late penalty after another lengthy review, and the match finished 1-1.

9. Liverpool vs Wolves (2023, FA Cup)

Toti Gomes thought he’d scored a late Wolves winner at Anfield, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Those holding long-odds “Wolves to win” tickets saw potential payouts vanish.

10. Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (2022 World Cup)

Saudi Arabia’s famous upset included three Argentina goals ruled out by VAR for offside in the space of 13 first-half minutes. Bettors who had backed the favourites were left in shock, while those on the underdog side were rewarded as Saudi Arabia went on to win 2-1.

The Verdict: Friend or Foe?

For those placing bets, VAR adds another layer of uncertainty. Its role is to support fairer decisions, but reviews may alter the flow of a match within seconds. What appeared settled on the pitch can sometimes be overturned once the footage is checked.

If there’s one lesson punters have learned, it’s this: when VAR is involved, nothing is certain until the officials make their final decision.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}