VAR Controversy Erupts as Casemiro's Manchester United Equalizer Ruled Out Against West Ham
Manchester United's impressive winning streak under interim manager Michael Carrick was dramatically halted on Tuesday evening at London Stadium, with a last-gasp equalizer from Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko salvaging a crucial point for the Red Devils against West Ham United. The Premier League encounter, played on February 10, 2026, ended in a 1-1 draw after a match filled with tension and controversy.
Late Drama Secures Point for United
West Ham broke the deadlock in the 50th minute through Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek, capitalizing on a frustrating first half for both teams. Manchester United responded with increased pressure but initially struggled to penetrate the hosts' organized defense. The match appeared to be slipping away from United until Carrick made a decisive triple substitution in the second half, introducing Benjamin Sesko, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee.
This tactical change shifted momentum dramatically in United's favor. Deep into stoppage time, in the 96th minute, Sesko found the net from close range, converting a precise cross from Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo to secure a vital point for the Red Devils. The Slovenian striker has now scored two goals in his last three appearances since joining from RB Leipzig, demonstrating his growing importance to the team.
VAR Intervention Sparks Controversy
The match's most contentious moment occurred in the 63rd minute when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro believed he had equalized with a powerful header. However, after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee review, the goal was disallowed for offside. The Premier League later released an official statement explaining the decision, accompanied by video evidence showing Casemiro's knee and arm slightly beyond West Ham's last defender when Kobbie Mainoo delivered the cross.
According to International Football Association Board guidelines, an attacker is penalized for offside if any playable body part is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the ball is played. The Premier League's statement clarified: "VAR checked the referee's call of goal and established that Casemiro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."
Fan Outrage Over Inconsistency
The decision sparked immediate outrage among football fans and pundits, who pointed to perceived inconsistencies in VAR application. Many supporters referenced a similar goal scored by Florian Wirtz against Fulham in January that was allowed to stand, despite appearing to involve comparable offside positioning.
Social media platforms erupted with criticism following the decision. One fan commented: "Probably because they ruled a goal out because Joe Willock's left eyebrow was offside the night before, and it came under such scrutiny that they had to be consistent." Another added: "Basically telling us what we already know. One rule for one and one for another. All you've done is confirm how inconsistent and unfit for purpose VAR is."
A third supporter expressed broader concerns: "Because the application of VAR is unquestionably subjective, and therefore, wildly inconsistent. In other words, it's a joke." These reactions highlight growing frustration with what many perceive as inconsistent officiating standards in the Premier League.
Broader Context and Implications
The controversial decision comes amid ongoing debates about VAR's implementation in football. While technology was introduced to eliminate clear errors, many argue that subjective interpretations have created new controversies rather than resolving existing ones. The Casemiro incident represents another chapter in this ongoing discussion about technology's role in sports officiating.
Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goal, Manchester United extended their unbeaten run under Carrick to four matches. The interim manager has steadied the ship following a turbulent period, with the team showing improved organization and resilience. The draw leaves United in a competitive position in the Premier League table as they continue their push for European qualification.
Meanwhile, West Ham will feel frustrated at conceding such a late equalizer but can take encouragement from their performance against one of England's traditional powerhouses. The match demonstrated both teams' fighting spirit and sets up an intriguing second half of the season for both clubs.
