Referee Escorted Off Pitch After VAR Controversy in Asian Champions League Semi-Final
Shabab Al-Ahli's last-gasp equaliser ruled out for substitution irregularity; coach Paulo Sousa storms off, goalkeeper sent off
Auf einen Blick
- A VAR controversy in the Asian Champions League semi-final saw referee Shaun Evans escorted off the pitch by police after ruling out Shabab Al-Ahli's last-gasp equaliser against Machida Zelvia.
- The goal was disallowed because the UAE side restarted play with a throw-in while Machida were still making a substitution.
- Coach Paulo Sousa stormed down the tunnel before full-time and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqbaali was sent off after the final whistle.
KI-generierte Zusammenfassung
Warum es wichtig ist
This is Machida Zelvia's competition debut in the Asian Champions League. They will face Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, the reigning champions, in the final. The controversy centres on the interpretation of Laws of the Game regarding substitutions and restart of play.
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 turning what is 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."
Offene Fragen
- Where was the match held?
- Were Machida legitimately making a substitution when play restarted?
- Will Shabab Al-Ahli appeal the result?
- What action will AFC take regarding the refereeing?
