The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) a few seasons ago was intended to aid officials in making accurate decisions during games.
While it may have caused a loss of momentum in some instances, it did assist in several situations.
However, when the VAR makes an incorrect decision, it can create a chaotic scenario, as seen with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on May 9.
Ancelotti, who rarely appears agitated, was visibly frustrated by the incident.
He is the epitome of calmness and sobriety on the touchline but against Manchester City, he was absolutely sure his team had been robbed.
KDB’s goal should not count
Kevin De Bruyne had just scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings. There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it.
VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked. One can only imagine the scenes if that becomes the goal that eliminates Real Madrid next week.
As history shows, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.
Let’s take a look at some of these controversies.
1. RVP’s red card at Camp Nou
Well, this was more of a harsh booking. This game was characterised by Jack Wilshere’s masterclass, helping Arsenal carry a 2-1 advantage to the second leg.
Robin Van Persie was through on goal but fluffed his shot wide, only to turn around and see the offside flag raised.
The centre referee adjudged the Dutchman had kicked the ball away after hearing the whistle and he sent him off on a second yellow. Arsenal would go on to lose the tie 4-3.
2. Luiz Adriano at Shakhtar
The Brazilian striker enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell in Ukraine, but it was marked by a few dubious moments. The biggest of them all was a group stage match against Nordsjælland in 2012.
Adriano got a hat-trick in that game, but his first goal elicited reactions. Willian, then at Shakhtar, had played the ball back to the opposition, as fair play after an injury.
To everybody’s bewilderment, Adriano chased down the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and scored. The referee allowed it to stand.
Like everyone else, Nordsjælland’s goalkeeper had expected the ball to roll back to him so that he could restart play, but the opposition man had other ideas.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bayern Munich
As Thomas Muller will tell you, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been the antidote to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Only that in 2017, the Bavarians’ faithful felt aggrieved after he scored two goals from an offside position.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner put the ball past Manuel Neuer in extra time while in an offside position. Minutes later, the same happened when Marcelo squared the ball to him while he was in front of the ball, which technically, is not allowed.
Both goals were allowed to stand. While VAR had not been introduced then, it did not make the decisions any less scandalous.
For Ancelotti and his troops, they can only hope that De Bruyne’s goal won’t be the difference in this tie – because such defeats sting.
Courtois sure Madrid will progress
Sports Brief also reported that Thibaut Courtois is optimistic about the chances of Real Madrid progressing to the UCL final ahead of his side’s second-leg semi-final clash with Man City.
Vinicius Junior and De Bruyne traded breathtaking goals as Los Blancos and the Citizens shared the spoils in the first leg of their last four blockbuster at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Madrid’s veteran shot-stopper, Courtois – who pulled off some stupendous saves in the tie – is confident his side will have the last laugh regardless of Man City’s impregnable home record.