Mariano Closs gave Tobar’s version in his ESPN program. Photo: Capture.
River were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores after losing 1-0 overall to Vélez Sarsfield. In the return match, played at the Monumental, one of the controversies of the year was experienced: Matías Suárez headed a Barco center and scored the run just minutes from the end.
At that moment, Marcelo Gallardo’s team seemed set to turn history around. But the Chilean referee, Roberto Tobardecided to cancel the goal that would have been decisive.
It all started with the call of the Brazilian Rafael Traci, head of the VAR, to control a game that almost no one had noticed, not even the “Fortín” players themselves: the ball had hit Suárez’s hand after hitting his head.
Tobar eventually cancels a goal against River and a controversy breaks out. Photo: EFE / Juan Ignacio Roncoroni
The Trans-Andean referee was not sure and, in fact, in the audio we hear: “It is a goal, for me it is a goalTobar reviewed the images for almost five minutes and after observing the show from various angles, he decided to rely on the assistant Claudio Ríos. Insecurity dominated the scene.
The line finally coincided with the VAR: he saw a change of direction of the ball, caused by Suárez’s left forearm.
Tobar’s message
This noon, Mariano Closs opened his program on ESPN by saying that he exchanged a couple of messages with the Chilean, after making it clear that he had a good relationship with him due to traveling around the continent and meeting at certain events.
The reporter said he would read the message Tobar sent him.
“Dear Mariano, it’s a pleasure to greet you,” Clos began, reading his cell phone.
The referee’s message continues: “After reviewing the images over and over again, I see a contact that doesn’t leave me sure to cancel. At that moment I felt that another evaluation from another member of my camp mates was important, for which I call Claudio Ríos so that he can check him too and give me his opinion free from any communication I had with the VAR.
“Claudio agreed that there is after the header of the Suárez player, as the ball slips on his forearm entering the goal”, closed Clos.
The Chilean Roberto Tobar, protagonist of the night at the Monumental. Photo: REUTERS / Agustin Marcarian
The response was clear and judicious, the influence of the Brazilian judges of the VAR and the assistant Ríos were instrumental for Tobar to get carried away and cancel River’s goal. Although he was convinced that the goal was valid.
Source: Clarin
