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'Turning football into rubble' - fury over VAR ruling
TL;DR
A controversial VAR decision in the AFC Champions League semi-finals led to police escorting the referee off the pitch after Shabab Al-Ahli's late equalizer was disallowed. The goal was ruled out because play was restarted during a substitution by Machida Zelvia.
Key points
- Controversial VAR decision in AFC Champions League semi-finals
- Shabab Al-Ahli's equalizer ruled out after VAR review
- Police escorted the referee off the pitch due to backlash
Shabab Al-AhliMachida ZelviaAFC Champions League
Police had to escort the referee off the pitch at full-time [Getty Images]
A referee had to be escorted off the pitch by police after a controversial VAR decision in the Asian Champions League semi-finals sparked fury.
Japanese side Machida Zelvia were leading Shabab Al-Ahli 1-0 in stoppage time, but the Dubai-based team thought they had snatched a last-gasp equaliser - only for it to be ruled out for an unusual reason.
Guilherme Bala's superb solo effort was initially allowed to stand by the referee before it was chalked off after a VAR review. It was deemed the UAE Pro League side had restarted play with a throw-in while Machida were still making a substitution.
The decision sparked chaos with Shabab Al-Ahli players surrounding the referee, boss Paulo Sousa storming down the tunnel before the game had finished and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqbaali sent off after the final whistle.
Referee Shaun Evans had to be led off the field with a police escort.
In what is their competition debut, Machida will now play Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli - the reigning champions - in the final on 25 April.
"There was a goal that was scored and then it was cancelled - this is a very technical mistake by the referee," Sousa claimed.
"Unfortunately this is what is turning football into rubble. It was a big mistake to choose this referee for this match.
"We deserved to be in the final and we deserve to play this important game."
Q&A
What happened in the AFC Champions League semi-finals involving VAR?
A last-minute equalizer by Shabab Al-Ahli was disallowed after a VAR review, leading to significant controversy.
Why was the goal by Shabab Al-Ahli ruled out?
The goal was ruled out because the team restarted play with a throw-in while Machida Zelvia was making a substitution.
What were the consequences of the VAR decision in this match?
The referee had to be escorted off the pitch by police due to the intense backlash from players and fans over the VAR ruling.
