Tag
Technology
Technology
3 definitions
Video Assistant Referee - Technology system used to review referee decisions with video footage.
Introduced to reduce errors in crucial match decisions.
The referee is consulting VAR to check if that was offside.
The Gaffer
Feb 10, 2026
A goal awarded despite the ball not crossing the line, or denied when it clearly did. Before goal-line technology, these caused huge controversies. Lampard's shot against Germany in 2010 clearly crossed the line but wasn't given; Geoff Hurst's 1966 World Cup final goal probably didn't cross but was given. Technology has mostly eliminated ghost goals, but the term lives on.
Frank Lampard's ghost goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup is still controversial. The ball bounced off the bar and clearly crossed the line, but without goal-line technology, the goal wasn't given. England were 2-1 down at the time.
Robbie
Feb 5, 2026
The tense period during VAR reviews when everyone waits to see if a goal stands or gets disallowed. Named after the literal thing fans do. Games now have these long pauses where nobody knows what's happening, the referee draws a rectangle in the air, and then you find out if you're celebrating or mourning. Changed the rhythm of how goals are experienced.
Liverpool fans became experts at holding their breath after VAR arrived - countless Salah and Firmino goals went to lengthy reviews for possible offside or handball, and the celebrations could only truly begin once the referee pointed to the center circle.
Robbie
Jan 30, 2026