A referee had to be escorted off the pitch by police after a controversial video assistant referee (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.”
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