'Shocking' - Jamie Carragher explodes at VAR after Chelsea rescued vs Fulham
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Credit: Imago/TNT Sports
Jack Heath
Sat 30 August 2025 13:30, UK
Jamie Carragher is fuming at a contentious VAR decision as Chelsea were saved by the officials after conceding against Fulham early on.
London derbies never disappoint and the Chelsea vs Fulham clash started in spectacular style at Stamford Bridge.
Expected new signing from Man United Alejandro Garnacho was in attendance for the game to watch his new side in action.
Yet, the Blues started in dreadful style after conceding an early goal to the Cottagers courtesy of Josh King, yet VAR intervened to overturn the decision, provoking pundit Carragher to voice his anger at the refereeing on show.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
The young Englishman was put through on goal in the 23rd minute, superbly tucking the ball away past Robert Sanchez.
However, VAR notified referee Robert Jones to go to the screen to review a potential foul by Rodrigo Muniz in the build-up on Trevoh Chalobah.
After review, Jones overturned the goal for a “careless challenge”, which infuriated fans and also the former Liverpool defender who said on X (30 August): “VAR has had a shocking start to the season.”
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Football Insider verdict
Brought in as a way to make the game fairer, better and more precise, VAR has had the complete opposite effect thus far.
It seems to be the match officials are now second-guessing themselves, rather than following their gut decisions on the field.
There is a distinct lack of consistency, especially on decisions which are meant to be down to interpretation and should be left for the on-field referee to decide.
Match Officials Chelsea v Fulham (30 August)RefereeRobert JonesFourth OfficialDean WhitestoneVAR Michael SalisburyAssistant VARScott Ledger(Source: Sky Sports)
VAR seem to consistently want to get involved to sow a seed of doubt in the referee’s mind which infuriates fans, players and managers who just want a free-flowing game of football.
It is safe to say that VAR will not be leaving the game anytime soon, but something has to be done to allow a degree of freedom for match officials to decide on their own, the outcomes.
This instance at Stamford Bridge was yet another example of off-field incompetence and lack of understanding to simply let the referee stick to his guns.