Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has found himself at the center of yet another shocking VAR
controversy after his goal for Leicester City in their UEFA Europa League clash against Braga was chalked off ; a decision Sky Sports Ref Watch has described as “the worst VAR decision ever.” Iheanacho looked to have put Leicester ahead with a well-taken finish, only for the goal to be disallowed following a lengthy VAR review. Officials claimed the ball touched his hand before he scored – a call many have slammed as bizarre and unfounded.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky’s Ref Watch, didn’t hold back: “That’s one of the worst VAR interventions I’ve ever seen. No clear foul, no offside, no handball. It’s a shocking decision.”
Ex-England striker Jay Bothroyd went even further:
“It’s not one of the worst — it’s the worst decision VAR will ever make. The replays clearly showed the ball came off Iheanacho’s head, not his hand.” The backlash from fans and pundits has been fierce, with many taking to social media to call the decision “embarrassing,” “a disgrace,” and “a new low for VAR.”
For Iheanacho, who has been in superb form for both club and country, the disallowed goal was a bitter pill to swallow. The Nigerian international was visibly frustrated, knowing the goal could have swung momentum in Leicester’s favour.
Back home, Nigerian fans expressed outrage, with many feeling their star was robbed on a European stage. “How can VAR miss something so obvious?” tweeted one Nigerian fan. “They’re always too quick to rule against African players.”
The incident has once again raised serious questions about the credibility and consistency of VAR in European football. For Nigerian stars like Iheanacho, the scrutiny seems doubly harsh. As the debate continues, one thing is clear — Kelechi Iheanacho deserved better.
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