‘VAR is Bull****’: Amrabat Denounces Unfair Use of VAR after Morocco-Spain Game

Rabat – Nordin Amrabat has spoken for every Moroccan in the world. “VAR is bull****,” the Atlas Lion shouted in front of millions of viewers after the Morocco-Spain game, Monday, June 25.

The 31-year old player, called a “hero” by Moroccan fans was not afraid to say what he, the team, and Moroccans were thinking about the game’s refereeing, sending a clear message to waiting camera crews.

We love you Amrabat ??

Dédicace a la VAR validée ? #ESPMAR pic.twitter.com/GZd9GZQCZm

— ??????? ? ???? (@Nabyl_Bandar) 25 juin 2018

#amrabat a subit un KO contre l’Iran, puis il a failli débordé le portugal tout seul, avant de fracasser la barre contre l’espagne. puis il a terminé sa CM en proposant un résumé lumineux : “VAR is bullshit”
thank you @NAmrabat53

— reda allali (@RedaAllali) 25 juin 2018

The image of Nordin Amrabat denouncing VAR went viral on social media. Many Moroccans praised Amrabat for his gesture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkdlHBTDG2s/?tagged=amrabat

Although the Atlas Lions were already eliminated from the competition, they offered a spectacular performance by scoring a double (Boutaib, 14’) and (En-Nesyri 81’) and giving Spain a run for their money.

The national team scored their first World Cup goal in 20 years, opening the score in the 14th minute thanks to a kick from forward Khalid Boutaib who took advantage of a mistake by Spain’s Sergio Ramos.

Unfortunately, the controversial use of VAR crushed Hervé Renard’s goal to “save the honor” of the team. A goal from Spain’s Iago Aspas at the start of the additional time (90th + 1) was first canceled for being offside, before being validated by the referee who consulted VAR.

Morocco sorely remembers that the referee did not consult VAR in Morocco’s game against Portugal.

After yesterday’s game, the Atlas Lions, including Amrabat, defender Benatia, midfielder Belhanda, their coach, and Moroccan fans have complained of unfair arbitration on the only goal of the match for Portugal (1-0), which could have been canceled due to a fault made by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Moreover, some sports experts, including former Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger, former Coach of PSG Luis Fernandez, and former France football icon Marcel Desailly have asserted that the national team should have been granted a penalty in the Morocco-Portugal game.