VAR Helps Fiorentina Beat SPAL Amid Controversy

Fiorentina were saved by VAR on Sunday amid chaotic scenes after the referee disallowed SPAL a goal and instead awarded a penalty which the Tuscans converted before winning 4-1.

Mattia Valoti’s deflected strike after 75 minutes had been greeted with delight by the home crowd as it had given relegation-threatened SPAL a 2-1 advantage after 75 minutes in Ferrara.

But the referee immediately ordered a video review which confirmed Felipe had fouled Federico Chiesa in the build-up to the goal which he disallowed and instead awarded Fiorentina a penalty.

Jordan Veretout stepped up and converted from the spot with the decision proving to be a killer blow for SPAL who instead of being 2-1 up were 2-1 down.

The hosts scrambled to get back into the game but conceded a goal with Giovanni Simeone adding a third minutes later, and Brazilian Gerson a fourth two minutes from time.

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SPAL had taken the lead through Andrea Petagna after 36 minutes before Edimilson Fernandes grabbed the equaliser just before the break.

Fiorentina move up to eighth — seven points off the Champions League places — after their eighth win this season.

SPAL sit three points above the relegation zone after their 12th defeat.

AFP