Al Hilal players were left furious after Bernardo Silva's early goal for Manchester City against Al Hilal in the Club World Cup was allowed to stand
Al Hilal's players were furious
Al Hilal's players were furious
Al Hilal players' furious reaction to a Manchester City goal forced the referee to ignore VAR protocol and explain the decision to allow the goal.
Referees are required to explain to the clowd when a decision has been overturned following a VAR check. No such communication is required if the VAR agrees with the referee's original decision, but that rule was ignored in City's game in the early hours of Tuesday morning because of the Al Hilal players' and fans' furious reaction.
Bernardo Silva put City ahead early on as he poked home from close range. Al Hilal players immediately protested against the decision, imploring referee Jesús Valenzuela to watch the big screens showing a replay of the goal, with the ball striking Rayan Ait-Nouri on the arm in the build-up to the goal.
The VAR had already reviewed the call and concluded that the ball struck Ait-Nouri high enough on the arm not to have to penalise City's new arrival for handball. But the opposition players and fans were having none of it and continued to protest.
Referee Jesús Valenzuela was eventually forced to explain his decision to the crowd over the PA system, despite not being required to due to his decision not being overturned.
The explanation eventually saw the Al Hilal fans and players abate and the game was allowed to kick off again.
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