VAR YOU SURE?
Fans claim FA Cup semi-final was ‘fixed’ as they spot ‘issue’ with VAR review that ruled out Coventry goal vs Man Utd
Coventry boss Mark Robins has spoken out about the huge late call
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FOOTBALL fans have accused Sunday's FA Cup semi-final of being "fixed" after spotting what they believe is a major VAR blunder.
Some think there was an error in the decision to disallow Coventry's last-minute extra-time goal against Manchester United.
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The Championship side thought they had completed a remarkable comeback in stoppage time at the end of extra time when Victor Torp poked home to hand them what looked to be a stunning 4-3 win.
But moments later the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up as Haji Wright was adjudged to be marginally ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
It was subsequently disallowed as Coventry, who were 3-0 down with 20 minutes of normal time remaining, went on to lose on penalties.
Yet some on social media are now disputing the validity of the decision after zooming in on the lines drawn by the VAR.
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They believe the line drawn for Wan-Bissaka actually went through part of his boot, rather than being at the end of his foot.
Reacting to a still image of the offside, one person said: "He's offside because they've drawn the line half way up Wan Bissaka's boot."
While another added: "I don't think he is offside. Look at where the line goes on Wan-Bissaka. It's not on the end of his foot like the Coventry player."
A third replied: "The line runs over the United player’s foot... if it’s where it should be that goal is good... Coventry were robbed!"
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Pundits verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher - Sacked
"I don't see how Erik ten Hag stays. It's just performance after performance."
Gary Neville - Stay if he wins the FA Cup
"To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme."
Louis Saha - On the fence
"I don't see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well."
Alan Shearer - Sacked
"I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he's gone."
And another fan took umbrage with the frame used for the offside, saying: "And they did the line at the wrong point.... This is when he passed [showing a frame just after the one used]. It's a FIX!"
There is no evidence to suggest the match was fixed.
And the confusion over the line and Wan-Bissaka's boot could be explained by the fact his boot is in the air.
This means there is also a vertical line down to the ground drawn on, making the blue line appear thicker, according to ESPN's Dale Johnson.
Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United 'got away with it' in shootout win over Coventry
Coventry boss Mark Robins felt aggrieved about the decision in the wake of his side's heartbreaking defeat to Man Utd.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Bitterly disappointed, I'm proud as well.
“Someone said to me I don't think any team have been as close to a final without getting there.
“We deserved to go through, we were 20 seconds away and a toenail offside, it's ridiculous.”
Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave Kidd
By Dave Kidd
PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
Victory has never been less glorious.
As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.
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