The co-commentator’s disappointment was palpable as VAR intervened, ultimately overturning the on-field decision to negate Cyriel Dessers’ goal during the second half of the match.
Dessers had struck first for Rangers, only for Alexander Dijiku to bring Fenerbahce level on the half-hour mark. Rangers regained the advantage just before the break when Vaclav Cerny found the back of the net, sending the home team into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
The second half saw Dessers seemingly add to Rangers’ tally in a fast-paced attack following a Nico Raskin shot deflecting into his path. However, the jubilation was short-lived as VAR reviewed the play and ruled the goal out for offside, awarding a free-kick to Fenerbahce instead.
The decision not to consult the on-field referee revealed how VAR, deemed authoritative on offside calls, independently determined the outcome without ref input.
While Rangers’ supporter favorite McCoist didn’t hide his disbelief at the VAR decision, expressing his astonishment after viewing the still image of the offside call with VAR-generated lines. “That’s just ridiculous,” McCoist remarked, pondering if the goal was disallowed due to Dessers’ left arm.
As the game continued, Dessers appeared to have netted another goal to give Rangers a comfortable two-goal lead. Yet, VAR intervened once more, deeming Dessers offside yet again in a controversial and closely contested decision, as video replays scrutinized the play.
