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.
This was the offside that saw Coventry’s dramatic late goal disallowedCredit: ITV
Fans have claimed the line goes through Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s footCredit: ITV
Coventry’s Haji Wright was ruled offside following this VAR reviewCredit: Twitter / @Leaked_FPL
Referee Robert Jones disallowed the goal for offsideCredit: Getty
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.
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!”
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.
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.”
Coventry were left heartbroken following their astonishing FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty