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Why No VAR? Another Officiating Controversy in K League

Pyeon Gwanghyeon

Published : Aug 2, 2026 8:44 PM

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Yesterday (August 1), another officiating controversy broke out in the K League.

Suwon Samsung's late come-from-behind goal was disallowed near the end of the match, and because the refereeing crew did not conduct a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review during the sequence, furious Suwon fans blocked the stadium exits in protest.

Trailing Cheongju FC until the final moments, Suwon dramatically equalized with a goal by Hays in the 6th minute of stoppage time in the second half.

Four minutes later, Dubičkas, making his debut for Suwon, headed in a dramatic comeback goal, sending Suwon's away fans into a frenzy.

Just when it seemed the match had ended in a victory for Suwon, the Suwon players suddenly began protesting.

As it turned out, a foul by Dubičkas was whistled at the moment of the goal, leading to it being disallowed.

Suwon players protested why a VAR review was not conducted, and angry Suwon fans occupied the stadium exits and surrounding areas for over 30 minutes.

The Suwon club has decided to send an official inquiry to the Korea Football Association, and the association is scheduled to release its official stance tomorrow (August 3).