It was the big talking point out of Round 13 in the Isuzu UTE A-League: Should Melbourne Victory’s late goal against Adelaide United have been allowed to stand?
With the game tied at 1-1 at Coopers Stadium, Victory midfielder Matthew Grimaldi curled a stunning strike beyond Adelaide United keeper Joshua Smits and into the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 88th minute.
However, whilst the Victory players were busy celebrating with a packed-out away end at Coopers Stadium a VAR check was underway.
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The reason? Victory forward Keegan Jelacic was in an offside position when Grimaldi unleashed his ferocious strike.
Four minutes of subsequent checking then ensued before the decision was ultimately made to chalk off the goal due to interference.
To rub salt in the wounds for the away side and their head coach Arthur Diles, Adelaide then went and scored a dramatic late winner through Ryan Kitto in the 97th minute.
Debate has since raged amongst both pundits and fans: Would Smit have saved the shot anyway? Was Jelacic actually interfering with play? And was the keeper’s view of the ball being blocked by his own player?
Speaking to aleagues.com.au’s James Dodd, the FA’s Head of Referees explained the decision making process.
