The dust has barely settled on the Beijing Guoan vs Shanghai Port derby, but the debate over key decisions refuses to fade. While much of the focus has been on Zhang Yuning’s disallowed goal for offside, a new angle has emerged regarding Shanghai Port’s first goal of the match.
According to a post by a sports media editor on social media, video footage shows Leonardo receiving a pass from deep within Shanghai Port’s half before setting up Li Xinxiang, who was then fouled in the box by Ramos. Referee Ma Ning, after consulting VAR, overturned his initial decision to disallow the goal and awarded a penalty to Shanghai Port.
The crux of the controversy lies in Leonardo’s position when he received the ball. The editor argues that a VAR offside check should have been conducted, given the similarity to Zhang Yuning’s marginal offside call. Beijing fans are particularly frustrated because, during the VAR review of Zhang’s goal, every detail—including Ramos’s tackle—was meticulously examined. Yet for Leonardo’s involvement, the broadcast cut didn’t clarify whether VAR scrutinized the offside possibility. The video evidence of the foul was clear, but the build-up was not given the same standard of review.
However, there is dissent. Some Shanghai fans point out that the video shared by Beijing media may be incomplete, suggesting that Beijing’s Ru Zinan might have been positioned deeper, potentially keeping Leonardo onside. A Beijing-based journalist later shared a screenshot that included Ru, but without official lines or semi-automated offside technology, any conclusion remains speculative.
What angers Beijing fans most is not necessarily the belief that a mistake was made, but the apparent inconsistency in VAR application. If Zhang Yuning’s millimeter-level offside received precise scrutiny, why was there no similar VAR replay for Leonardo’s potential offside? The biggest issue in the Chinese Super League, they argue, is not just missed calls but the lack of transparency. The Chinese Football Association’s explanations have only added to the confusion.
Adding to the frustration, Beijing Guoan has lost the chance to formally appeal. According to the league’s protest regulations, clubs must submit written materials within 24 hours of the match. That window has now closed, leaving any doubts to rest in the realm of public opinion.
VAR was introduced to reduce controversy and improve accuracy, but in this case, it has become a tool that some feel influences outcomes arbitrarily. The timing, scope, and disclosure of reviews remain opaque. The Beijing-Shanghai match is a prime example: the technology itself isn’t the problem, but rather who it serves.
For now, Beijing Guoan must move on. With a packed schedule in May, every point matters. No amount of “maybe offside” arguments can bring back lost points. The truth about Leonardo’s pass may never be known with certainty, but the debate will linger.