VAR saves Atilla Karaoğlan in Europa League

In the final match of UEFA Europa League Group F, Rennes hosted Villarreal. The match played at Roazhon Park ended in a 3-2 victory for the visiting team.

In the match officiated by Turkish referee Atilla Karaoğlan, Villarreal's goals were scored by Gerard Moreno, Ilias Akhomach, and Dani Parejo. The goals for the hosts, Rennes, were scored by Lorenz Assignon and Ludovic Blas.

INTERESTING INCIDENT IN THE 90+12TH MINUTE

An eye-catching incident occurred in the 90+12th minute of the match, which had at least 6 minutes of stoppage time.

From a free kick taken by Rennes' Enzo Le Fée, the ball hit the post and landed back in front of Le Fée. The French player then tried to cross the ball into the opponent's penalty area, but the ball was blocked by the defense. The ball, which opened to the left wing, was then crossed into the Villarreal penalty area by Ibrahim Salah, and in the ensuing scramble, Lorenz Assignon sent it into the net.

TOUCHED THE BALL A SECOND TIME WITHOUT ANYONE ELSE CONTACTING IT

The match referee, Atilla Karaoğlan, awarded the goal, but following a warning from VAR referee Massimiliano Irrati, Karaoğlan went to the sideline and reviewed the incident. This goal did not count because the player who took the free kick touched the ball again after it rebounded off the post without anyone else touching it. Karaoğlan canceled the goal decision.

“I ALSO JUST LEARNED THE RULE”

Rennes manager Julien Stephan said, "I also just learned the rule. I knew there was such a rule for penalties, but I didn't expect there could be such a rule for free kicks. It was a harsh emotional transition for us."

News Source: 12punto