The video assistant referee system has been much talked about since being used at the World Cup earlier this year — praised by some for spotting fouls, criticized by others for slowing down matches.
On Sunday, VAR attracted attention for another reason altogether: it stopped working during the 1-1 draw between Rennes and Toulouse.
“The fourth official came to see me 10 minutes from the end of halftime to tell me it wasn’t working,” Toulouse coach Alain Casanova said. “There was a problem, quite simply.”
Casanova said he and his Rennes counterpart, Sabri Lamouchi, as well as the two team captains, were all informed before the second half started.
Toulouse may have cause for regret because VAR was not used to review images when a penalty was given to Rennes midway through the second half. It was awarded after striker M’Baye Niang fell under a challenge from Jean-Clair Todibo, who was shown a yellow card for protesting the decision.
Niang converted in the 70th minute, but Todibo headed in the equalizer two minutes from time for Toulouse.
Toulouse played with 10 men for the entire second half after forward Aaron Leya Iseka was sent off in the 43rd for a second yellow card.
The draw leaves Rennes struggling in 16th place — two spots above the relegation zone — while Toulouse is seventh.
SLICK LILLE
Lille showed it means business as a contender for Champions League qualification, beating Marseille 3-0 to move into second place behind Paris Saint-Germain.
Striker Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the second half and then earned another penalty. He let strike partner Jonathan Bamba take it, making it 2-0 in the 86th.
Moments later, Bamba added his second of the night from close range.
Lille struggled so much last season it was almost relegated.
What a turnaround it has been since coach Christophe Galtier took charge. Not only did he save Lille from humiliating relegation following a significant transfer outlay, he has transformed the side this season.
Meanwhile, Marseille’s defense continues to leak goals and coach Rudi Garcia’s team is down in sixth spot.
IMPRESSIVE MONTPELLIER
Third-place Montpellier continued its fine start by beating local rival Nimes 3-0.
Defender Ambroise Oyongo put Montpellier ahead and striker Andy Delort made it 2-0 after nine minutes of first-half injury time. A metal gate gave way after Montpellier fans celebrated Oyongo’s goal, sending a few of them spilling onto the pitch and causing the match to be delayed.
Reports said two fans sustained light injuries.
The outstanding Florent Mollet set up striker Gaetan Laborde for a diving header in the 79th, after which a crowd disturbance caused the match to be stopped for about 30 minutes.
Some 70-80 riot police came onto the pitch to block a section of agitated Montpellier fans from confronting their Nimes counterparts.
Sir Alex Ferguson made his triumphant return to Old Trafford this weekend, but Manchester United failed to live up to the moment, unlike Liverpool, who maintained their immaculate campaign and are getting rewarded for it in the standings, while a helicopter caused a bizarre scene in the English third division.
Sir Alex Ferguson made his triumphant return to Old Trafford this weekend, but Manchester United failed to live up to the moment, unlike Liverpool, who maintained their immaculate campaign and are getting rewarded for it in the standings, while a helicopter caused a bizarre scene in the English third division.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s short Juventus debut in the Champions League ended in tears, Liverpool and PSG faced off in a high-profile affair at Anfield, Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated while Manchester City stumbled in this week’s action in the world of soccer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s short Juventus debut in the Champions League ended in tears, Liverpool and PSG faced off in a high-profile affair at Anfield, Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated while Manchester City stumbled in this week’s action in the world of soccer.
Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic previews the team’s upcoming matchup against the New England Revolution, who seek entry into the Eastern Conference playoff zone, on Saturday, September 22 in Foxborough, Mass. (Courtesy of the Chicago Fire).
Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic previews the team’s upcoming matchup against the New England Revolution, who seek entry into the Eastern Conference playoff zone, on Saturday, September 22 in Foxborough, Mass. (Courtesy of the Chicago Fire).
Chicago Fire midfielder Michael De Leeuw highlighted the confidence in the locker room ahead of their visit to the New England Revolution on Saturday, September 22 (Courtesy of the Chicago Fire).
Chicago Fire midfielder Michael De Leeuw highlighted the confidence in the locker room ahead of their visit to the New England Revolution on Saturday, September 22 (Courtesy of the Chicago Fire).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League debut with Juventus only lasted 29 minutes before seeing a red card from referee Felix Brych, bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to tears as he left the Mestalla Stadium pitch (video by Bleacher Report).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League debut with Juventus only lasted 29 minutes before seeing a red card from referee Felix Brych, bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to tears as he left the Mestalla Stadium pitch (video by Bleacher Report).
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