CONTROVERSY struck in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals last night thanks to an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
FC Machida Zelvia led Shabab Al Ahli 1-0 going into the 90th minute when the UAE Pro League side took a quick throw-in following a substitution. Some neat passing play found Guilherme Bala who curled a beautiful strike into the top corner to get the game level.
The Japanese side looked dejected, but made no appeals for a foul during the celebrations. To the entire stadium’s surprise, Australian referee Shaun Evans was called over to the monitor to look at the goal again. Evans opted to disallow the equaliser as he had deemed that the player substituted had not left the field of play.
^The VAR decision Credit: AFC Hub YouTube
Shabab Al Ahli could not find another goal and their players and coaching staff were left furious at full-time. Goalkeeper Hamad Al Maqbali received a red card for attempting to chase after the referee and several Shabab Al Ahli players were booked by Mr Evans after the match who was given a police escort off the pitch for his safety.
Manager Paulo Sousa did not shy away from giving his thoughts about Mr Evans’ decision post-match, “The referee treated Shabab Al Ahli unfairly and disallowed a legitimate goal due to a serious technical error. He was the one who allowed play to resume, so why did he disallow the goal afterwards?”
The UAE Pro League side have allegedly lodged an official complaint with the AFC, including demanding a replay of the game. The club’s delegation and players have refused to leave Jeddah as a result while they await the imminent outcome of the decision.
What comes as a concern to many is that the referee, Shaun Evans, has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Fans have questioned how a World Cup referee can be causing this much drama so close to the tournament.
