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The Ref
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When VAR rules a player offside by millimetres, usually because their armpit or sleeve is beyond the last defender. The technology can draw lines to this precision, but it feels absurd to disallow goals for body parts you can't even score with. Fans mock it, but it's technically correct under the rules. Led to calls to give attackers the benefit of the doubt.
The armpit offside ruling against Liverpool's Roberto Firmino in 2019 became notorious - the goal was disallowed because his armpit was supposedly beyond the defender, prompting widespread ridicule about what body parts actually matter.
The Ref
Jan 24, 2026
Leaving the ground with both feet to make a challenge. It's dangerous and usually a red card, regardless of whether you get the ball. The force and lack of control make serious injury likely. Some old-school players complain the game has gone soft, but there's no good reason to tackle with both feet up. It's reckless by definition.
Roy Keane's two-footed tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001 is infamous. It was a red card and three-match ban at the time, and Keane later admitted it was revenge for an earlier incident. That kind of tackle can end careers.
The Ref
Jan 23, 2026