Second yellow cards and VAR: Hesse’s sending off and global debate over regulation changes ignited

His dismissal Santiago Ese in the fight Olympiacos-Barcelona for the Champions League, with a second yellow card, lit fires not only in Piraeus but also at a wider football level. The phase was judged by many to be over the top, with the player protesting loudly and shouting “You f*cked the game” to the referee. This incident brought back to the fore a timeless question: Why can’t VAR intervene in cases of a second yellow card, even though the consequence is the same as a straight red?

What applies today to VAR

The VAR, according to its protocol International Football Association Board (IFAB)can only be used in four cases:

– Goal or no goal

– Penalty or no penalty

– Direct red cards

– Incorrect player identification

Second yellow cards are excludedas they are considered “subjective“decisions and not”clear and obvious» wrong actions. This means that even if the second yellow is incorrect or excessive, there is no possibility of a VAR review.

The debate on changes to the regulations

The IFAB is expected to consider expanding VAR’s powers ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Among the proposals on the table are:

– The possibility of VAR intervention in wrong corners

– The review of second yellow cards

– A radical change to penalties, where the ball will be considered “dead” if the goalkeeper makes a save, with no rebound possible

The thinking behind these suggestions is to improve the accuracy of decisions and avoid critical mistakes that alter the course of a match. However, their implementation is not a simple matter.

UEFA’s reaction

UEFA has already expressed its opposition to any expansion of VAR’s powers. According to a source of the European federation, the increase in interventions will be “difficult to tolerate“, while the proposal for a “dead” ball in the penalty shootout was characterized as “unacceptable». UEFA considers that the extra interventions they will cause lags and reduce the flow of the gamewithout offering a substantial benefit.

In addition, UEFA expressed displeasure that the IFAB approved regulation changes in March without consulting it, such as the new regulation corner instead of an indirect foul when the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds.

Pros and cons of VAR intervention in second yellow cards

Proponents of change argue that:

– The second yellow has the same consequence as the immediate red, so it should be reviewed.

– VAR can prevent unfair dismissals that decisively affect the outcome of a match.

– The technology exists and must be harnessed for fairness in the game.

– On the other hand, critics emphasize that:

– Second yellows are often subjective and difficult to verify.

– VAR intervention will cause more interruptions and undermine the referee’s autonomy.

– If VAR is extended to second yellows, the next step will be a review of all cards, which will change the nature of the game.

Where we are today

The IFAB will meet again in November to consider formal proposals, with a final vote taking place in March. For any change to pass, six of the eight votes (four from the British associations and four from FIFA) are required.. If the VAR extension is approved, it will take effect from June 1, 2026.

Hesse’s case is typical of the problem: A disputed phase, without the possibility of review, which led to a dismissal and affected the image of the match. The question remains: Will football continue to ignore VAR second yellows, or is it time for a fairer approach?