Stade Rennais thought they had netted the equaliser that would guarantee them top spot in their UEFA Europa League group, however, Lorenz Assignon’s injury-time goal was ruled out by VAR.
Rennes needed just a point to finish top of their group and advance to the Round of 16 in the Europa League, however, in the 101st minute against Villarreal, they trailed 3-2. Assignon stepped up dramatically to net the equaliser to make it 3-3, and whilst the goal was initially awarded, it was then ruled out by VAR.
WATCH | Assignon’s goal ruled out due to obscure rule
The goal was ruled out as Enzo Le Fée touched the ball twice from a direct free-kick. The Frenchman’s effort came back to him after hitting the bar, and as no other player touched the ball in the meantime, Assignon’s equaliser was therefore rightly ruled out.
“I learnt about the rule at that moment,” reacted Rennes manager Julien Stépha, who like the commentators, was initially confused by the decision. As a result, Rennes finished second in their group and must now play against a team knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in a play-off tie.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
