A referee caused severe outrage by awarding a penalty by signalling absent Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Bolivian league.
Always Ready took on Bolivar in the Bolivian top division league on Sunday. The scoreline read 1-0 to the visitors in the extra-time until a controversy occurred.
Bolivar’s defender handled the ball inside the penalty box, but the referee waved play on. The coach was furious in the touchlines which forced the referee to reassess the situation by consulting with the fourth referee. They decided to award a penalty, but there was a hilarious moment.
Referee Raul Orosco signalled for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), only to realise that the league does not use it and proceeded to point to the spot.
Bolivar players were infuriated with the referee’s signal and the match stopped for some time because of the understandable pandemonium. In fact, the police were spotted on the pitch trying to calm the situation down.
This is incredible. In added time in Bolivia, referee goes to sidelines to make decision to award Always Ready against Bolívar. Signals decision to award penalty using VAR signal. The Bolivian league doesn’t have VAR technology. The penalty was not scored.pic.twitter.com/dKMoEHcHXk
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 3, 2019
Footage of entire incident (via @gbobadi), showing the chaotic seasons and subsequently missed penalty. But check out how far the Bolívar defender has run into the box before penalty is taken.pic.twitter.com/ccf6bBfni4
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 3, 2019
The referee also failed to notice a defender hurrying near the penalty-taker when the spot-kick was about to be taken.
I mean, the defender has literally run right in front of the referee and is almost in line with the penalty taker. pic.twitter.com/RyMdolqOrL
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 3, 2019
Club Always Ready player William Ferreira stepped up to take the penalty and his shot fired off the post, which allowed Bolivar to clinch a 1-0 victory after the controversial decision.
VAR was used in the Champions League and it worked to perfection. But, only the Brazilian league uses the VAR.
Controversial decisions will only stir up the infuriation of the footballing sides. Hence, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) should be implemented in all top flights leagues as quickly as possible.
