Official Drama: Incredible Scenes As Riot Police Protect Referee After VAR Decision During Copa Libertadores Clash Between Gremio And River Plate (Photos & Video)

Alan Duffy

31st, October 2018

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Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores semi-final second leg between River Plate and Gremio ended in dramatic scenes as riot police protected referee Andres Cunha after a late penalty, awarded via VAR, gave River Plate victory.

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River Plate came into the game 1-0 down from the first leg which was played in Argentine, and they went 2-0 down on aggregate when Leo Gomes netted for the hosts in the first-half.

Late on, the visitors rallied, with Rafael Borre making it 1-1 on the night.

Then, in the 87th minute, ref Cunha awarded River Plate a penalty after Bressan was adjudged, courtesy of VAR, of handling the ball in the box.

The defender was sent off as he protested the decision with the poor old referee needing riot police protection during the nine-minute delay between the initial decision and the actual penalty being taken.

Gonzalo Martinez eventually took the spot-kick and fired home to give River Plate a dramatic 2-1 win on the night, with the Argentinians going through on away goals (2-2).

Who’d be a referee!

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Boca Juniors play Sao Paolo in the other semi-final second-leg on Wednesday.

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