‘Without doubt the worst VAR call I’ve ever seen’: Fans SLAM ‘absolutely unbelievable’ decision to send off Douglas Luiz in Brazil’s draw with Ivory Coast at Tokyo Olympics… after Aston Villa midfielder appeared to make very minimal contact with opponent
Douglas Luiz’s controversial red card for Brazil during their clash with the Ivory Coast at the Tokyo Olympics, has seen fans take to social media with some labelling the VAR decision as ‘one of the worst ever’.
The Aston Villa midfielder was dismissed just 14 minutes into Sunday’s Group D match, after it was deemed the 23-year-old fouled Max Gradel and in the process denied the former Leeds winger a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Referee Ismail Elfath initially booked Luiz despite there being a minuscule amount of contact between the players.
Ivory Coast forward Max Gradel went down after very minimal contact from Douglas Luiz
The Villa star was initially booked but was sent off after the referee re-watched the incident
However, after re-watching the incident following a VAR review he sent the Villa midfielder off.
Fans couldn’t believe the incident led to a dismissal and took to social media to express their shock at the decision.
One fan tweeted: ‘Douglas Luiz red card is a joke. I mean honestly did he even touch him? VAR is supposed to correct the refs mistakes not enhance them…smh’
Another fan went a step further adding: ‘That Douglas Luiz red card at the Olympics is without a doubt the worst VAR call I’ve ever, ever seen. Absolutely unbelievable.’
Various Premier League stars including Manchester United duo Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo as well as Everton’s Richarlison took part in the Olympic group game.
However the match ended in a goalless draw, both Brazil and Ivory Coast are on four points ahead of their final group fixtures.
The Brazilians will play Saudi Arabia on July 28, whilst Ivory Coast will play Germany on the same day.