It was one of the last actions of the match in Seville. Dmitry Chistiakov scored a 1-0 goal for Zenit St. Petersburg after a cross from the right. The goal is extra-time, because in the first match the Russian champions lost 2: 3.
There was no extra time in Spain, because the referee canceled Chistakov’s goal after the VAR analysis. The referee decided that Aleksandr Jerochin, who was blocking the rivals, fouled one of the Betis players, which prevented him from intervening in the visitors’ action.
– I did not see the event and I will not comment on it. It is a pity that this goal was not recognized, but now we will not do anything – said the Zenit coach, Sergei Siemak, after the match.
VAR saved UEFA
The media reacted much more strongly to the situation. These largely defended the Russian champions, not seeing Jerochin’s foul on the opponent. According to journalists, VAR saved not only Betis from extra time, but also UEFA from difficult decisions.
All of this, of course, in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The hostilities that the Russians started on Thursday may have consequences in the world of football. Everything indicates that this year’s Champions League final will not take place in St. Petersburg, and it is still unknown whether the Russia-Poland match for the World Cup will take place.
If Zenit were promoted to the next round of the Europa League, UEFA would probably order the Russian champions to play matches in neutral territory. This is a difficult situation for the European federation as it is in no rush to impose sanctions on Russian clubs. In the case of Zenit, it would be even more difficult, because the club’s sponsor is Gazprom, which also sponsors the Champions League or the world championships.
“VAR saves UEFA and Betis. They don’t have to decide whether Zenit St. Petersburg has to play on neutral venues,” The Independent boss Miguel Delaney wrote on Twitter.
The match in Seville ended in a goalless draw and it was Betis who advanced to the 1/8 finals of the Europa League.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
