A goal scored, validated, and then disallowed thanks to a photograph shown to the referee. It happened in Abruzzo, in the Promozione league, where the match between Atessa and Lauretum erupted into controversy over an incident that resembled a "homemade VAR" not foreseen in the rules.
The incriminating move occurred in the 31st minute of the first half. Following a set piece, Lauretum defender Andrea Pretara headed the ball into the net, temporarily equalizing the score. The home team immediately protested for an alleged handball, but after consulting with the assistant referee, the referee pointed to midfield and awarded the goal.
The match seemed to be restarting, but then the controversial incident occurred. According to the reconstruction provided by the visiting team, managers and members of the Atessa bench approached the referee, along with the home team's photographer, who showed the referee a snapshot of the action, zooming in on the alleged contact between the player's hand and the ball. After reviewing the image, the referee reversed his decision and disallowed the goal.
The decision sparked protests on the pitch and in the stands. Lauretum took to social media to vent. "It feels like a horror movie. Today we feel robbed, today we were greatly wronged. Can a referee not see a goal? Maybe so. But if the assistant referee calls the referee and they validate the goal, why is a small tent around the two referees enough to change their minds? We're fed up..." read a post published by the club. President Antonello Delle Monache also commented harshly: "VAR in Promozione, ridiculous..."
At the end of the match, the Lauretum coach also addressed the incident. "Outside technical support was used. The referee was shown footage of the play. I didn't get a good look from the bench; it could have been a handball, but a refereeing decision at this level, where VAR isn't a requirement, can't be influenced by outside technical support," he said.
Despite the outrage, the matter did not result in an official appeal. The final score, 2-2, was duly reported and confirmed. However, the case remains, destined to spark discussion about the limitations, pressures, and rules of amateur football, which, at least on paper, should remain free of any form of technological replay.
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Comments (1)
It's a truly strange episode, but ultimately, we know that controversy always arises in football. It's hard to say who's right. Perhaps the referee was right to review the goal, but the visiting team also has its reasons.