VAR denies Neymar penalty in late drama against Costa Rica – World Cup 2018

The referee initially awarded a penalty but was alerted to check the replay by VAR, and after reviewing the incident on a screen off the edge of the pitch, overturned his decision

There was more VAR drama at the World Cup on Friday as the Video Assistant Referee system (VAR) denied Brazil a penalty in their match against Costa Rica.

With the scores level and 10 minutes left, Neymar dribbled into the box before checking back on to his right foot in an effort to get a shot away. As he turned, his marker Giancarlo Gonzalez seemed to place his hand on Neymar’s stomach, briefly, before the Paris Saint-Germain forward tumbled back to the floor.

The Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers initially awarded a penalty but was alerted to check the replay by VAR, and after reviewing the incident on a screen off the edge of the pitch, overturned his decision, giving a foul but deciding not to book Neymar for simulation.

Neymar was clearly frustrated by the decision, earning a booking a matter of moments later as Brazil seemingly headed towards their second draw of the tournament, before Philippe Coutinho’s late goal handed Brazil a crucial goal.