MANY hate it, but Bayer Leverkusen star Amine Adli is absolutely loving VAR right now.
The Frenchman would have been looking at a suspension after TWICE being booked for diving in Sunday’s victory over Bayern Munich.
However, both times the official at the helm of the video technology intervened to not only overturn the decisions but to award Leverkusen a penalty.
Bayern were leading through Josh Kimmich when the first incident occurred in the 53rd-minute when Adli was clipped by Benjamin Pavard.
Referee Tobias Stieler instantly waved away the protests and issued a caution to the 22-year-old attacker.
Fortunately, VAR jumped in and after he had checked the pitchside monitor, Stieler overturned his original decision, wiping out the yellow and awarding a spot-kick that was dispatched by Exequiel Palacios.
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Adli shook the official’s hand – but he was raging with him again in the 70th-minute when he was booked again for simulation.
But once again it was determined that he had in fact been fouled as the yellow was rescinded and a penalty awarded.
It was Palacios that stepped forward for a second time to convert and seal a 2-1 win for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen in the Bundesliga clash.
Adli was not the only one to be relieved after VAR’s involvement – ref Stieler was too.
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He said afterwards: “He was my lifesaver – and also the lifesaver for the game.
“In the end, both teams were happy because the right decision was made.
“The only thing left to do is take it with humour.
“We hugged each other during the game and also after the game. Now he promised me the shirt.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
