Chinese referee Ma Ning made history at the FIFA Club World Cup this week by explaining a VAR (video assistant referee) decision to spectators for the first time.
Ning was presented with the opportunity towards the end of Wednesday’s first round clash between Al Ahly and Auckland City.
Ah Ahly were 3-0 up in stoppage-time when forward Taher Mohamed was fouled by Adam Mitchell on the edge of the penalty area.
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The incident subsequently resulted in a VAR review.
The commentator said: “And after Ma Ning has examined the footage and consulted with his colleagues he will, for the very first time in a FIFA tournament, announce the decision to the crowd and to you at home.
“This is a first in world football…”
Ning reviewed the incident on his pitch-side monitor and then informed the 47,000-strong crowd of his decision.
He told the crowd over the PA system, per The Mirror: ”Decision will be a free kick. Auckland No.3 – denial of a goalscoring opportunity.”
Ning then ran over and showed Mitchell a straight red card.
Ning shows red card
Video:
Watch the footage here:
Historique : le Chinois Ma NING est devenu le premier arbitre de football à expliquer une décision VAR en hautparleur au public. C’était hier lors du match du 1er tour de la Coupe du Monde des Clubs entre @AlAhly et @AucklandCity_FC !@fifacom_fr @FIFAWorldCup #ClubWC pic.twitter.com/BfqiDN63Zr
— SAFE (@ArbitresSAFE) February 2, 2023
History today as the first VAR official explanation took place in the Al Ahly-Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup game.
Referee Ma Ning informed people that a penalty was overturned as the foul was outside the box, but a red card was shown to Adam Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/DvhN45eHAZ
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) February 1, 2023
An historic moment in football.
Football fans can expect to hear referees explaining decisions to crowd and live TV audiences on an increasingly regular basis in the future.
Source: GIVEMESPORT
