Fans on Twitter have once again lashed out at the essence of the Video Assistant Referee after the technology failed to spot what is seemingly a genuine penalty call in Wednesday's Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
The epic encounter between the two European could have potentially served up a winner had it not been for the non-performance of the VAR. Both sides went at it hammer and tongs inside the Wanda Metropolitano where an incredible fightback saw Los Rojiblancos secure a 2-2 draw with their opponents from Turin. Goals by Juan Cuadrado and Blaise Matuidi were relinquished by Stefan Savic and Hector Herrera, the latter's coming right on the 90th-minute mark.
However, before the Mexican midfielder ensured that spoils were shared with a thumping header, Diego Simeone's side were denied the opportunity to get a goal from a spot-kick after the referee waived a handball decision. Argentine forward Angel Correa did well to cut back but could not find either Costa or Joao Felix who got in each others way in an attempt to fire home.
The ball subsequently ricochet onto Juventus center-back Bonucci's arm but despite the the protests, play was made to continue. Clearly the incident - which has been likened to Moussa Sissoko's ill-fate against Liverpool in last season's Champions League Final - is one that has not gone down well among football fans on social media.
Juventus have got away with murder. Worse than the sissoko hand ball
— O S U L L I V A N (@liamosullivan_1) September 18, 2019
Bale had a goal disallowed for the ball hitting his hand which made no advantage to hi. Yet juventus handed it in box which stopped it from going to Atleti player and no penalty give. VAR is an absolute shambles
— Chris Walters (@Chriswgee) September 18, 2019
@ChampionsLeague Great mistake referee Atlético de Madrid-Juventus. Clear hand in the area. The referee didn't even check the VAR. He should be punish for THIS GREAT MISTAKE!!
— Jorge Hernando (@chinaski980) September 18, 2019
Glad they're tied, Atletico woulda been up 3-2 after that uncalled penalty smh
— Jen (@dekujen) September 18, 2019
PSG destroying Madrid and Atletico still equalizing despite being denied a Clear Penalty! Night Made!
— M.K.H (@Khalid_Harun37) September 18, 2019
Can VAR justify how that's not a penalty for Atletico when De Jong got one called against him in the Euro Qualifications?
— Agon M (@agonmulajj) September 18, 2019
If VAR is being consistent then that has to be a penalty for Atletico
— DanSmith (@Danjesmith) September 18, 2019