In the video produced by the entity, the explanation mentions that the video referee interpreted an “accidental shock” by the Uruguayan after being fouled by right-back Victor Salazar. The collision left the Paraguayan team player unconscious and he had to leave the field in the ambulance.
The VAR checked the play with two cameras, basically, one close and one the other way around. “The foul is clearly from Olimpia and Flamengo’s hand hits without meaning to,” said the video referee, Argentine Mauro Vigliano.
In addition, the VAR indicated to referee Fernando Rapallini to check a possible penalty on Arrascaeta, still in the first half. The field referee saw the images and signaled the penalty. The play preceded a yellow card shown to Filipe Luís – who was consequently sent off. As it was not a reckless foul, but a tactical one, the punishment was withdrawn and Fla’s left-back remained on the field. Then, Gabigol converted the penalty and scored the second goal in Asunción.
After the match, won by 4-1, Flamengo used social media to say that “they want a quick recovery to right-back Salazar”. Arrascaeta also expressed the same opinion: “Ready recovery for our colleague. (I want to) apologize for the involuntary coup.”
Olimpia was not satisfied with the interpretation of the referee. Coach Sergio Ortemán even left the press conference having answered only one question and said the VAR was “shameful”.
With a score of 4-1, Flamengo may even lose 3-0 in the return game, on Wednesday (18), in Brasília, to reach the semifinals of the Libertadores.
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