🚨 “Absolutely Unacceptable!” – Mark Clattenburg Blasts VAR After Controversial Error in Crystal Palace’s 3-3 Draw with Bournemouth…………….
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has unleashed a scathing criticism of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following a series of controversial decisions in Crystal Palace’s 3-3 draw with Bournemouth, calling it an “unacceptable mistake” that robbed the game of its integrity and left fans in disbelief.
The dramatic Premier League clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening had everything — goals, passion, and late drama — but it was VAR that took center stage for all the wrong reasons. Clattenburg, known for his outspoken nature and vast refereeing experience, didn’t hold back as he dissected the shocking officiating that overshadowed an otherwise thrilling contest.
“It’s simply unacceptable at this level of football,” Clattenburg fumed in a post-match analysis. “VAR is meant to correct clear and obvious errors — not create them. Tonight’s decision completely changed the momentum of the game and left players, coaches, and fans frustrated and confused.”
The incident in question occurred midway through the second half when Bournemouth appeared to have been denied a legitimate goal after a lengthy VAR review ruled a marginal offside against striker Dominic Solanke. Replays later suggested the call was extremely tight, with many experts arguing that the lines drawn on screen appeared inconsistent. The controversy only deepened when Palace went on to score at the other end moments later, leveling the match and igniting fury among the Bournemouth bench.
Fans on social media erupted in anger, with phrases like “VAR shambles,” “robbery,” and “Premier League embarrassment” trending within minutes. Even neutral supporters expressed frustration at how frequently technology seems to be dictating results rather than assisting fair play.
Clattenburg continued, “When players and managers lose faith in the system, that’s when football has a real problem. VAR should bring clarity, but it’s bringing confusion and controversy. The Premier League must take urgent steps — better training, better communication, and accountability. Mistakes like this shouldn’t happen.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has recently faced intense scrutiny following the team’s inconsistent performances, refused to hide his disappointment. “I’m proud of my players for fighting back, but we can’t ignore what happened,” he said. “Football is about fairness — and tonight, fairness was missing.”
The draw leaves Crystal Palace sitting in mid-table, while Bournemouth remain just below them, still battling to climb out of the bottom half. But for many, the final scoreline mattered less than the growing debate around VAR’s future in English football.
As calls for reform grow louder, Clattenburg’s words echo the sentiment of millions of fans who feel the joy of the game is being lost to inconsistent officiating. “We wanted technology to make the game fairer,” he said, “but right now, it’s making it harder to trust.”
Once again, what should have been remembered as a thrilling six-goal spectacle will instead be remembered for VAR’s biggest blunder of the weekend — one that left a bitter taste in the mouths of players, managers, and fans alike.
