Beaten Thursday evening by Villarreal in the Europa League group match (2-3), Stade Rennais was deprived of a goal from Lorenz Assignon at the very end of the match. Here’s why.
There was total incomprehension on the part of Stade Rennais. While they were led by Villarreal and stoppage time was coming to an end, the Bretons thought they would equalize for the third time in the match. After a free kick and a chained shot from Enzo Le Fée, the ball finally returned to Lorenz Assignon who scored (90th + 11). Madness in the stands of Roahzon Park, but amazement a few very long seconds later, when the referee finally refused the goal. Incomprehension too, but there was indeed an explanation.
This was recalled by The Team who cited law 13 of the regulations. This stipulates that on a free kick, “ the player must not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player“. And that’s precisely what happened since Enzo Le Fée, after seeing his free kick crash into the opposing bar, immediately tried his luck again without anyone touching the ball before him.
💥 Electric end to the match in Rennes after this rejected goal from Assignon.
🤔 Do you understand Mr. Attila Karaoglan’s decision? pic.twitter.com/AGkZm2D6j0
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) December 14, 2023
VAR to the referee’s rescue
The referee did not immediately indicate that the goal was invalid and it was in fact his VAR colleagues who reminded him of the point of regulation in his headset, while confirming to him that no one no one else had touched the ball. A cruel outcome for Stade Rennais which will therefore have to go through a play-off against a relegated side from the Champions League, to try to reach the round of 16 of the Europa League.
