Union Berlin coach Steffen Baumgart expressed his frustration with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after a highly controversial goal decision during their thrilling 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich on Saturday. The match, which marked Bayern’s first non-victory of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, was not without its dramatic moments—most notably, a disallowed goal in the early minutes of the game.

The Disallowed Goal That Sparked Controversy

In the 9th minute, Union Berlin appeared to take an early lead with a well-executed strike by Ilyas Ansah. However, the goal was immediately ruled out after a VAR review determined that Ansah was offside by mere millimeters. This decision ignited a wave of criticism, particularly from Baumgart, who felt the call was excessively precise and undermined the spirit of the game.

The coach shared his frustration on live television during a post-match interview with DAZN, stating:

“We’re talking about 0.5 millimeters here—if that. I have to say: now it’s starting to get difficult.”

Baumgart’s reaction highlighted a growing debate in football about the balance between technological accuracy and the flow of the game.

Baumgart: “I Support VAR, But…”

Despite his criticism, Baumgart emphasized that he generally supports the VAR system, which is designed to assist referees in making accurate decisions. His concern, however, lies in how the technology is sometimes applied:

“For me, the decisive thing is that reasons are being sought here for why the goal shouldn’t count. From my perspective, the goal was scored according to the rules, and then there was a search for the 0.5 millimeters offside so that the goal wouldn’t count.”

At 53 years old, Baumgart has decades of experience in professional football, making his voice particularly influential in discussions about VAR accuracy and implementation.

The Wider Debate Around VAR in Football

The controversy surrounding Ansah’s disallowed goal is not an isolated incident. Across major leagues worldwide, managers, players, and fans have increasingly questioned whether VAR, while technically precise, sometimes interrupts the natural flow and excitement of matches.

Supporters of VAR argue that it ensures fairness and eliminates clear errors, while critics—like Baumgart—contend that excessive scrutiny over tiny margins can detract from the essence of football.

Social Media Reaction

Fans quickly took to social media to debate the VAR decision. Many sided with Baumgart, claiming the decision was overly harsh and that such a minuscule offside should not nullify a legitimate goal. Others defended the technology, highlighting that rules are rules, and VAR is designed to enforce them with precision.

A fan tweet captured the sentiment of many:

“Sorry, aber im Sinne des Sports sollte das Tor zählen. #FCUFCB”

Conclusion: A Divisive Moment in Bundesliga History

While Union Berlin ultimately salvaged a 3-3 draw thanks to Danilho Doekhi and Harry Kane, the controversy surrounding Ansah’s disallowed goal has added fuel to the ongoing discussion about VAR in football. Baumgart’s outspoken comments reflect a broader tension between technological accuracy and maintaining the human element of the sport.

As the Bundesliga season continues, moments like these are likely to spark further debates, making VAR one of the most hotly contested topics in modern football.