The debate rages on about Adrien Rabiot’s goal in the 4-2 win over Sampdoria, as VAR did not consider the footage of the Juventus midfielder enough to overturn a clear and obvious error.
The game was level at 2-2 when Rabiot controlled Nicolò Fagioli’s cross with his chest and fired into the net.
Matias Soule sealed the scoreline in stoppages, but this was inevitably the turning point in a very tight match.
Sampdoria coach Dejan Stankovic was furious in his post-match interviews, insisting the goal should’ve been disallowed for handball.
There is certainly the suspicion of handball, as the sleeve of his shirt seems to move, but the footage from various angles is insufficient to warrant VAR intervention for a clear and obvious error.
Sky Sport Italia, DAZN and others all came up with the same conclusion – it was probably handball, but VAR did not have the footage to prove that it was a handling offence from Rabiot.
The current rules do not allow VAR to send the referee to the on-field review monitor unless there is a clear and obvious error.
As he scored the goal, it would be irrelevant if the handball was involuntary, as long as he used his arm to control the ball, that would be enough to disallow.
Even Rabiot seemed well aware of the danger it would be disallowed, as he hesitated before celebrating and looked over at the assistant referee.
It is also frankly worrying that a modern arena like the Allianz Juventus Stadium does not provide better camera angles for an incident that happened inside the penalty area.
This wouldn’t be the first time, as famously earlier this season Juve had a goal disallowed against Salernitana for offside because the VAR cameras had a black spot missing Antonio Candreva keeping everyone onside near the corner flag.