Shabab Al Ahli protest controversial VAR decision that eliminates them from AFC Champions League

The UAE club suffered a 1-0 defeat in Jeddah on Tuesday night. Yet a source within the team revealed to AFP that the match official committed a procedural mistake by overturning a late equalising goal in the 93rd minute.

Machida Zelvia opened the scoring via Yuki Soma during the 12th minute. Shabab Al Ahli were convinced that their Brazilian forward Guilherme Bala had drawn them level right as the match neared its conclusion.

Nevertheless Australian official Shaun Evans nullified the effort following a check with the Video Assistant Referee. VAR determined that the UAE outfit had executed the throw in preceding the goal prior to the Japanese side finalising a player substitution.

The unnamed Shabab Al Ahli insider informed AFP: "The club lodged a formal complaint right before departing the venue.

"This complaint demands a rematch. As a result the squad remained in Jeddah pending the outcome of our appeal."

This challenge requires swift review since Machida Zelvia must play Saudi Arabias title holders Al Ahli in the decider on Saturday.

The UAE Football Association committed to backing Shabab Al Ahli in efforts to protect their interests. They urged the Asian Football Confederation to assign suitable officiating crews for its events.

Incensed players from Shabab Al Ahli confronted the referee post match. Goalkeeper Hamad Al Maqbali earned a sending off.

Al Maqbali stated: "The official aimed to knock us out and he managed it."

Shabab Al Ahli manager Paulo Sousa from Portugal remarked: "The referee unfairly handled Shabab Al Ahli and rejected a valid goal because of a major procedural blunder. He permitted the game to continue so why cancel it later?"

He continued: "All aspects of the competition have elevated at this point except the quality of officiating."

AFP reached out to the AFC seeking their perspective.