The Great VAR Debacle: St. Louis City’s Controversial Loss to Atlanta United”.

In the first half of a home match against Atlanta United, St. Louis City forward Indiana Vassilev and Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan got caught up in a heated debate over an overturned St. Louis City goal due to a foul called by referee Filip Dujic. The controversial call sparked a viral reaction on social media as fans were left stunned by the decision.

The goal was initially scored by St. Louis, but it was reviewed by VAR for potential offsides and a foul in the buildup to the goal. While there was no offsides detected, the referee team ruled that there was indeed a foul, resulting in the goal being nullified.

St. Louis managed to secure a 1-1 draw with midfielder Indiana Vassilev scoring in the 50th minute, only to be matched by Atlanta’s Daniel Ríos 20 minutes later. The incident highlights a new era of MLS VAR as the league implemented changes in rules, including in-stadium VAR announcements, in April. Under these new rules, VAR decisions are now explained and announced by the center referee, offering fans both inside the stadium and at home a better understanding of the decision-making process. Despite this setback for St. Louis City, they managed to hold their own against Atlanta United on this particular day.