Sheffield United's 2-0 lead in the 2024 Championship play-off final was controversially overturned by video assistant referee (VAR) after a disputed offside call against Sunderland, denying the Blades promotion. The decision, which saw 82% of fans oppose VAR in a BBC Sport survey, has reignited fierce debate about introducing the technology to the second tier. Managers like Gerhard Struber and John Heckingbottom represent opposing views, with Struber calling for VAR to ensure fairness while Heckingbottom argues it kills stadium atmosphere and makes the league feel like a different sport. The Championship's physicality and unpredictability are central to the conflict, as some fans and managers believe VAR would undermine the league's unique character.