🚨CONTROVERSY AT OLD TRAFFORD!🚨 “That’s so soft, he’s gone down like a pack of cards!” – Rio Ferdinand fumes as Matthijs de Ligt’s goal for Manchester United gets disallowed in their Europa League clash with Rangers.

In a contentious Europa League encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt found the back of the net, only to have his goal disallowed due to a perceived foul in the build-up. The decision has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and pundits alike.

The incident occurred when de Ligt rose to meet a corner, directing the ball past Rangers’ goalkeeper. However, the referee, after consulting with VAR, ruled out the goal, citing a foul by a United player during the play. This call left many scratching their heads, as replays suggested minimal contact.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand did not mince words in his assessment. “That’s so soft, he’s gone down like a pack of cards!” Ferdinand exclaimed, expressing his disbelief at the referee’s decision. He further criticized the officiating, suggesting that such calls undermine the physicality inherent in the sport.

Fans took to social media to voice their frustration. One supporter tweeted, “If that’s a foul, we might as well ban all aerial challenges. Ridiculous decision!” Another added, “VAR was supposed to clear up these controversies, not create more.”

The Premier League released a statement defending the decision, stating, “The goal was disallowed following a clear and obvious foul in the build-up, as per the VAR review.” This explanation, however, did little to quell the outrage among the United faithful.

This incident adds to a growing list of VAR controversies that have marred the current season. Many are calling for a review of the system and its implementation to ensure consistency and fairness in officiating.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the disallowed goal has become a flashpoint in discussions about the effectiveness of VAR and the quality of refereeing decisions in high-stakes matches.
The disallowed goal by Matthijs de Ligt during Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Rangers has once again brought VAR and refereeing standards under intense scrutiny. The decision to overturn the goal due to an alleged foul in the build-up has sparked widespread debate, dividing fans, pundits, and even former players.

The controversy unfolded as de Ligt expertly converted a corner, only for VAR to intervene and advise the referee to disallow the goal. The decision, based on what appeared to be minimal contact, has left many questioning the consistency and interpretation of such incidents.

Rio Ferdinand’s scathing critique encapsulates the frustration felt by many: “Football’s a physical game, and decisions like this are sucking the life out of it.” His comments echo a broader sentiment that VAR, initially introduced to minimize errors, is now creating its own set of contentious moments.

The Premier League’s statement defending the decision has done little to pacify United fans, who feel their team was unfairly denied a crucial goal. Many are calling for a reevaluation of how VAR is utilized, particularly in situations involving subjective calls, such as fouls in the box.

This incident isn’t just about one disallowed goal; it highlights the growing dissatisfaction with officiating standards and the way VAR is applied in modern football. For Manchester United, it’s another frustrating moment in a season already filled with challenges, while for football as a whole, it’s another chapter in the ongoing debate about the role of technology in the sport.