flag
back Back
Fans convinced footage from Wembley stands shows Coventry's extra-time strike was ONSIDE as they claim FA Cup VAR drama was 'set up' for Man United and City to play each other
  • Coventry looked to have scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Man United
  • Haji Wright was deemed to be offside and Victor Torp's late goal was disallowed
  • Coventry's epic comeback is what the FA Cup is all about – we don't need to change it – Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast 

Footage filmed from the stands at Wembley during Coventry's dramatic FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United proves the Championship side's last-gasp goal was actually onside, social media users have claimed.

Mark Robins' side battled back from 3-0 down to take the showdown to a penalty shootout but looked to have sealed their spot in the final in extra time when Haji Wright was played through and teed up Victor Torp to stab home.

Wright, however, was deemed to have been offside by the most marginal - and controversial - of VAR decisions in the 121st minute, taking the tie the distance.

United then held their nerve from the spot to ensure they would face Manchester City again with the famous trophy on the line - a repeat of last season's final.

But a new clip filmed from inside the United end, almost directly next to the pitch, has raised fresh doubt over the divisive call in the minds of some supporters. 

Coventry saw a last-gasp goal ruled out in their FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United
Coventry saw a last-gasp goal ruled out in their FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United
Haji Wright was played in behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Haji Wright was played in behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wright then squared for Victor Torp to touch home
Wright then squared for Victor Torp to touch home

The video shows Wright being released in behind a tiring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with VAR replays later revealing that the forward had made his run a fraction too early. So fine were the margins, though, that Wright may only have been offside by inches.

The X account that shared the footage, which was originally taken from TikTok, said: 'Take a look at this video. I'll leave it up to everyone else to form their own opinions.'

Several other X users responded with sheer disbelief, with one even claiming that the moment was rigged to allow both Manchester clubs to play each other.

'It's all about the money and all set up for a Manchester final,' they said. 'If VAR isn't used in all FA Cup games then it shouldn't be used at all. Didn't see any of the Man Utd players calling for offside at the time the goal was given.

'Take football back to when it was actually football.'

Torp's goal in extra-time was ruled out for the narrowest of offside decisions (pictured)
Torp's goal in extra-time was ruled out for the narrowest of offside decisions (pictured)

'This is onside, totally legitimate goal annulled. Why?' a second asked.

A third wrote: 'Makes me feel sick, makes me not want to bother with football again.' 

Supporters previously claimed that the VAR line was drawn over Wan-Bissaka's foot for the offside check but officials have since doubled down on the decision.

Indeed, a source close to the PGMOL has confirmed to Mail Sport that the call was correct and explained that the line was not placed over the full back's boot. 

VAR lines are drawn on the leading part of the defender and the leading part of the attacker with which they can score. The decision has a 'tolerance' level in favour of the attacker if the lines touch, giving the forward the benefit of the doubt.

Some have claimed the VAR lines were drawn over Aaron Wan-Bissaka's foot during the check
Some have claimed the VAR lines were drawn over Aaron Wan-Bissaka's foot during the check
Championship outfit Coventry were dealt late heartbreak after being taken to penalties
Championship outfit Coventry were dealt late heartbreak after being taken to penalties
United then booked their spot in the final against Manchester City after winning on spot-kicks
United then booked their spot in the final against Manchester City after winning on spot-kicks

In that case, a green line would be shown. However, the lines were not touching in Wan-Bissaka and Wright's example, meaning that there was no doubt.

Coventry boss Robins later joked that had Wright trimmed his toenails before the match then his team would have been in the final at United's expense.

'Had he cut his toenails we wouldn't be talking about penalties,' Robins said.

'Our performance will be spoken about for a long time. 

'We are disappointed but we can't be too down about it. For the last hour of the game we performed like Manchester United and that's what I'm proud of.'

You may like

Pep Guardiola 'misses' one former Man City player and massively regrets selling him

sportbible.com 2 days ago

£103m player Liverpool and Man United have wanted for years is now available for just £26m

tbrfootball.com 2 hours ago

Sir Jim Ratcliffe to take brutal Man Utd action after staggering wage bill emerges

mirror.co.uk 2 days ago

Manchester United tell £855m player they are ready to bid for him

tbrfootball.com 2 days ago

Rashford dropped, new Garnacho role - Man United starting XI with £60m Michael Olise transfer

manchestereveningnews.co.uk a day ago

Five players Man Utd should build around – and three that have to go

inews.co.uk a day ago

Sir Jim Ratcliffe copies Todd Boehly transfer plan as Man United plot Chelsea target swoop

manchestereveningnews.co.uk 17 hours ago

Arsenal star labelled a 'cheat' as VAR slammed for letting him get away with it

express.co.uk an hour ago