sportskeeda
Coach Ricardo Sa Pinto of Raja Club Athletic has suggested implementing Video Assistant Referee [VAR] in the CAF Champions League group stages after two of his team’s goals were disallowed in a recent loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Raja had an opportunity to equalize through right-back Mohamed Boulacsout, but his goal was ruled offside by the assistant referee.
This ruling left Pinto unhappy with the officiating, prompting him to express feelings of being ‘robbed’.
“As I stated, to me, it was a clear goal,” said an exasperated Pinto.
“The player who was offside did not interfere. At this level, every championship team deserves the integrity of the game.”
“I strongly believe that VAR should be used in all matches at this level, not just during the quarterfinals, but in the group stages as well. This is vital for all parties involved.”
“If we aim for more serious and honest football universally, we must ensure that integrity is upheld throughout every match, from the group stages to the knockout rounds.”
Currently, VAR is not applied in CAF club competitions and is only available in the knockout rounds.
This was the second defeat for the Moroccan giants in this season’s Champions League group stage.
In their first match, Raja lost to their Botola Pro rivals, AS FAR. Pinto’s squad is currently at the bottom of the table, having secured just one point against AS Maniema Union.
Raja’s next match in the Champions League is set against the Brazilians in January of the following year.
