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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jessica Morgan

World Cup 2018: 'VAR is bull***t', says Morocco's Nordin Amrabat as he fumes after Portugal decision

Morocco were just minutes from securing a historic win over Spain at the World Cup but instead, they were left in tatters after the video assistant referee system sparked controversy - again.

Nordin Amrabat launched a scathing attack on officials after the VAR system cost Morocco a notable win over Spain on Monday night in Russia. 

Iago Aspas' netted a dramatic goal to earn the European giants a draw against the Moroccans and a place in the final 16. 

Initially, the goal was ruled out as offside but after a late review referee, Ravshan Irmatov overturned the decision.

Amrabat was clearly furious with the ruling and turned to television cameras using the VAR sign used by referees and said: "VAR, it's bull***t".

This is not the only time the VAR system has caused controversy during the World Cup.

Iran were awarded a spot-kick after Cedric Soares gave away a late penalty following a handball, tarnishing Portugal's dream of securing a World Cup victory.

TV pundit Alan Shearer said he came close to swearing live on television after VAR decisions caused uproar during the Portugal and Iran clash on Tuesday night.

Nordin Amrabat was furious with the VAR decision (BBC)

He wrote on Twitter: "Well, that’s the closest I’ve been to swearing on live TV! What I really wanted to say is that VAR is complete and utter b******s!”

But Gary Lineker fired back, praising VAR for making important decisions. 

His tweet read: "I like VAR. There, I’ve said it. It’s making the most mundane of games more dramatic. It improves most refereeing decisions, (although human error will still occur). It gives us lots to discuss and it really annoys @alanshearer. They need to remove clear & obvious edict, though."

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