The bizarre moment when a referee uses a video recorded on a PHONE to rule out a late goal
Footage shows the bizarre moment when a referee uses a video recorded on a fan’s PHONE to reverse a late goal in a league match in Egypt…while VAR is absent from second tier matches
- A rare moment was caught on camera during a second level match in Turkey
- A controversial goal was awarded in a match between Suez SC and Al-Nasr
- The referee then consulted fan footage to overturn his original on-pitch decision
A referee disallowed a late goal after using a crowd member’s mobile phone to assess an incident during a second division match in Egypt on Friday.
The bizarre moment went viral after many were baffled by referee Mohamed Farouk’s decision to use a fan’s phone as a replacement for the video assistant referee [VAR].
The game, which was between Suez SC and Al-Nasr, sparked controversy in the 90th minute when Al-Nasr thought they had scored a late equalizer.
The Suez players were incredulous at the original decision on the pitch and suggested that one of the Al-Nasr players had been in an offside position.
With the VAR not active in second tier matches, referee Farouk had to use an audience member’s phone to reach a final decision.
The bizarre incident in Turkey was captured on camera by one of the match spectators
Referee Mohamed Farouk used mobile phone footage to reverse his decision
Farouk had initially allowed a late goal from Al-Nasr to stand, despite the goalscorer being offside
The Suez SC players were initially in disbelief when Farouk decided to award the goal
The crowd murmured as they eagerly awaited the official’s verdict. After careful consideration, Farouk reversed his original call on target and disallowed it.
Fifteen minutes of stoppage time were added and Suez won the match 3–1.
The referee left the pitch under police protection amid protests from Al-Nasr players and officials, who threatened to take legal action against the referee for breaking the rules.
Reports of BaladTV suggest that the match can be replayed should the country’s Refereeing Commission decide that improper action has been taken.
The same outlet claims the country’s League Association is still awaiting a report from the committee before making a final judgment on the matter.
It remains to be seen what conclusion they will come to, but after labeling it a ‘catastrophic mistake’, the match can be expected to be replayed.