“It’s just nonsense!”: Undav launches furious VAR criticism after Stuttgart advance

VfB Stuttgart secured their place in the next round of the Europa League on aggregate, but Deniz Undav was left frustrated after his side’s 1–0 second-leg defeat to Celtic. The striker criticised the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), describing the system as “nonsense” after two Stuttgart goals were disallowed.

VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav expressed frustration with VAR decisions following his side’s Europa League defeat to Celtic, despite confirming that qualification remained the priority.

“The most important thing is that we progressed,” Undav said after the match, as Stuttgart advanced 4–2 on aggregate. However, the forward admitted he was unhappy with several decisions during the game. “I’m angry, but I’ll keep that to myself,” he added.

Undav was particularly critical of the Video Assistant Referee system, questioning its effectiveness after Stuttgart had two second-half goals ruled out for offside. “VAR is supposed to be there to help the game, but now it makes almost more mistakes than the referee on the pitch,” he said.

The Germany international did not hide his broader dissatisfaction with the technology and those operating it. “Sometimes the people in Cologne – the VAR – seem to be watching with their eyes closed. It’s getting more and more ridiculous what nonsense VAR produces. I don’t even have an opinion on it anymore. It’s just nonsense.”

Despite his criticism, Stuttgart’s progression to the next round ensured the controversy did not overshadow the team’s overall objective.