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Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels rants at VAR over controversial decision during UCL clash against PSV

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Sherwin Shaju | Last updated 2/21/24

VAR in football has had its fair share of critics over the years, ever since it was introduced in Europe. Time and again, the refereeing mechanism and decision-making have been criticized by players, management, and fans alike. The Champions League Round of 16 clash featuring Borussia Dortmund and PSV had its fair share of controversy surrounding none other than VAR.

Dortmund defender and Germany International Mats Hummels was at the receiving end of a ‘controversial’ decision on Tuesday night. The defender was livid as the referee blew to the penalty spot. Hummels made it clear that he made first contact with the ball, as he repeatedly gestured with his hands in the shape of a football. The referee did not overturn his decision even after consulting VAR.

Twitter waits for it. Twitter gets it. What a joke of a penalty against us. Again! I cannot believe there can be decisions like today or against Chelsea or PSG with the VAR.
— Mats Hummels (@matshummels) February 20, 2024

PSV equalized from the spot and managed to hang on till the end of the game. Subsequently, Hummels angrily penned a tweet, bashing VAR and the referees’ decision-making against his team in the past few seasons.

What a joke of a penalty against us. I cannot believe there can be decisions like today or against Chelsea or PSG with the VAR.

Hummels reminded fans of the ‘injustice’ dealt to his side in the previous seasons in the Champions League.

Penalty or no penalty? The internet debates whether VAR slipped up yet again

Mats Hummels certainly isn’t a fan of VAR. His side failed to secure a crucial win away from home as the referee gave the home side an ‘unfair’ opportunity to get back into the game. While many fans argued whether the home side deserved a spotkick or not, experts also shared their take on the same. CBS rules analyst Christina Unikel elaborated on the same, stating that the preferred decision should’ve been ‘no penalty’.

Elaborating on the same, she explained that Hummels made a touch on the ball before catching the PSV player. However, she also explained why the officials in the VAR room must’ve let the on-field decision stand. While the defender does make visible contact with the ball, it was marginal, to say the least.

Penalty or no penalty?

Our rules expert @ChristinaUnkel weighs in on the foul called on Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels. pic.twitter.com/YBv6ysybYO
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 20, 2024

The steering reason as to why the tackle was given as a penalty is because the contact on the PSV forward may or may not be labeled as reckless or careless by the officials. Several fans also reacted to the ‘poor’ call from the referee and pointed to how Dortmund have been ‘robbed’ on multiple occasions in the Champions League. With the 1-1 draw, both PSV and Dortmund have all to play for in the second leg at Westfalenstadion.