'VAR went for a coffee!' Queiroz blasts officiating as Ghana denied penalty against England

Carlos Queiroz was left fuming after a controversial VAR decision spared England a potential penalty and red card in their recent international clash with Ghana. The experienced Portuguese manager, now at the helm of the Black Stars, didn't hold back in his post-match assessment, claiming the officials had essentially gone missing at a crucial moment.

What happened

During a tense fixture between England and Ghana, a challenge in the penalty area sparked immediate outrage from the Ghanaian bench. Queiroz argued that the defender's tackle was reckless and denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, warranting both a spot-kick and a sending-off. To his disbelief, the referee waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. 'VAR went for a coffee!' Queiroz snapped afterward, summing up the frustration of many observers.

VAR under the microscope

The incident is the latest in a long line of controversial VAR calls that have divided fans and pundits alike. Introduced to eliminate clear errors, the system has instead generated new debates about consistency, intervention thresholds, and the subjective nature of key decisions. For Queiroz, himself a former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson and a former Iran head coach, the lack of a review was baffling. England, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief, with the match ultimately ending without major punishment.

What it means

For Ghana, the perceived injustice adds to their sense of being on the wrong end of high-stakes calls on the international stage. For England, the escape could prove crucial if these teams meet again in a knockout competition. More broadly, Queiroz's outburst is a reminder that VAR remains a work in progress. As the football world pushes for greater transparency, including releasing referees' audio, moments like these keep the pressure on football's governing bodies to refine the system before the next global tournament.