VAR Controversy Over Inter's Goal Against Monza
During a Serie A match between Inter and Monza, Inter took the lead 1-0 with a goal scored by Calhanoglu. However, the goal has become the subject of major controversy.
Replays showed that Inter defender Bisseck was in an offside position when Calhanoglu took his shot. Bisseck was standing very close to Monza's goalkeeper, Pizzignacco, at the moment of the shot.
Despite this, the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system did not step in to review the goal. The referee's original decision to allow the goal stood, and no changes were made.
This decision caused strong reactions from fans and commentators, many of whom argued that the goal should have been disallowed because of Bisseck's position.
Football expert Marelli addressed the controversy directly. He explained that although Bisseck was indeed offside, he was not considered 'punishable' under the rules because he did not interfere with play or touch the ball.
According to the current offside rules, a player in an offside position only breaks the rules if he actively affects the play, for example by touching the ball or blocking the goalkeeper's view. Since Bisseck reportedly did neither, the goal was allowed to stand.
The debate continues among fans, with many still questioning why VAR did not review such a close situation.
Vocabulary8 words
- controversy
- a big disagreement about something
- offside
- a football rule about player position
- VAR
- a video system that helps check referee decisions
- reactions
- how people respond to something
- disallowed
- not allowed; cancelled
- punishable
- something that breaks a rule and gets a penalty
- stand
- to stay the same; not be changed
- debate
- a discussion where people disagree
Quiz
Answer key
1. Calhanoglu scored a goal that caused controversy 2. Bisseck was in an offside position near the goalkeeper 3. He did not touch the ball or interfere with play
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
During a Serie A match between Inter and Monza, Inter took the lead 1-0 with a goal scored by _____.
Replays showed that Inter defender _____ was in an offside position when Calhanoglu took his shot.
Despite this, the _____ system did not step in to review the goal.
This decision caused strong _____ from fans and commentators, many of whom argued that the goal should have been _____.
Football expert Marelli explained that although Bisseck was indeed offside, he was not considered '_____' under the rules because he did not interfere with play.
According to the current offside rules, a player only breaks the rules if he actively affects the play, for example by touching the ball or blocking the goalkeeper's _____.
Discussion questions
- Do you think VAR should have reviewed this goal more carefully? Why or why not?
- How do offside rules in football affect the fairness of the game?
- Have you ever watched a match where a controversial decision changed the result?
- Why do you think fans get so emotional about referee decisions in football?