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
L'essentiel
- 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.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
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."
Questions ouvertes
- 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?
