REFEREE MILORAD MAZIC has been slammed by the footballing world following a decision during the Confederations Cup final.
Chile defender Gonzalo Jara appeared to strike Germany forward Timo Werner with his elbow in the second half of the tie, which led to the Serbian official consulting the Video Assistant Referee.
After deliberation, Mazic came to the conclusion that Jara was deserving of a yellow card, despite a red card looking likely.
'The ref's dealing with a very dishonest group of players' says @RichieSadlier #rtesoccer #VAR pic.twitter.com/0TbkLZKQo5
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2017
The decision from the official sparked a backlash on social media, with Alan Shearer and other players, pundits and supporters directing their frustration at the man in the middle.
In other words, it's shit? https://t.co/tTjouRDceE
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 2, 2017
Still not getting the VAR !! If you have to take a decision and stop the match, must be something that change the game !!
— Luis Garcia (@LuchoGarcia14) July 2, 2017
Should have been a l red for Jara. Wonder if the pause gave the ref the thought "let's keep 11v11 in a Final ".
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) July 2, 2017
Can't be anything else!
Last time. VAR will only work with factual decisions not subjective ones. Blatant red card but when based on a refs opinion VAR pointless.
— Danny Higginbotham (@Higginbotham05) July 2, 2017
Lars Stindl put Germany in front in the first half following a mistake in the Chile backline, with the South American champions unable to find their way back into the game.
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