Australia have goal ruled out for offside in absolutely baffling VAR call

Australia have been denied a clear goal in the Women's World Cup, courtesy of our good friends in the VAR booth.

The referee chalked the goal off for an apparent offside, despite the Matildas player being IN FRONT of the defender.

Fans have been left fuming too, taking to social media to slam the video assistant referee and the rather confusing interpretation of the rulebook.

When Mary Fowler bundled the ball into the back of the net following some rather scrappy build-up play, the Matildas looked like they'd extended their lead over Canada to 2-0.

But when the referee was called over to the pitch-side screen to watch a replay, every Aussie fan collectively rolled their eyes.

A potential foul in the lead-up would be remotely understandable, but an offside? Surely not.

Well, that's what the officials saw with Aussie right back Ellie Carpenter deemed to have been in an offside position – despite being in front of the Canadian defender.

Not just that, though, as there seemed like there was another Canadian defender who was also playing her onside too.

However, not in the ref's eyes.

After some deliberation, the referee eventually ruled the goal out – much to the amazement of everyone inside Melbourne's Rectangular Stadium as well as those watching from home.

When footage of the incident made its way onto social media, fans didn't hold back in their assessment.

But by the rule book, Carpenter is - in fact - offside it seems.

Popular Twitter page Beyond 90 said: "As Sheridan is in front of her teammates, Carpenter has to be in line with / behind two defenders *OR* out of play.

"VAR placed her beyond Gilles, and since she was between Buchanan and the ball when it was last touched, she's in play & offside!"

Besides, the Matildas didn't let the bizarre decision dampen their spirits and they responded in the best way possible.

Just a few minutes later, Hayley Raso bagged her second goal of the game to extend Australia's lead to 2-0.

That said, we still can't stop thinking about this offside call.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Optus Sport

Topics: Australia, Womens World Cup, Football, Womens Football

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry