"VAR Spa"

17 May 2026

2 mins 06s

So near, so VAR.

This splendid ad for Snickers limits the brand to use of its livery and a super at the end as it explores a particular aspect of being hangry - for which Snickers has suggested itself as the ideal solution in the past - associated with VAR, the system by off-field referees to bugger up football matches by turning minor disputes into major confrontations.

The former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche puts in an excellent performance, helped in no small part by director Marvin Jay Alvarez, channelling his infamous antagonism for the questionable interventions made by VAR by explaining why he has decided to set up a mobile spa to help others to cope with their stress related to it.

The tropes of the comedy that follows are familiar but excellent nonetheless and Kudos to the client for allowing the idea to breathe without anyone eating one of the advertised chocolate bars. (Which may also have enabled them to steer clear of regulatory problems now that there are restrictions on advertising snacks like this.)

UK

Chocolate