The referee who officiated the World Cup qualifier between Serbia and Portugal, Danny Makkelie, has apologized for ruling out Cristiano Ronaldo’s clear winner in the dying minute of the match.
After ruling out the goal, the Serbia vs Portugal match ended in a controversial 2-2 draw. Ronaldo, who was visibly frustrated, subsequently walked off the field and threw away the captain’s armband before the final whistle was blown after his clear winner was denied in their World Cup Group A qualifier.
Serbia defender, Stefan Mitrovic, had attempted to clear Ronaldo’s shot off the line, but to no avail as the ball crossed into the goal.
Surprisingly, referee Makkelie ruled out the goal in the absence of VAR or goal-line technology to check the call.
But Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, has informed the media that the referee has apologized for his decision.
“I don’t know what happened, I was told he reacted badly. It’s the normal frustration of someone who scores the winning goal for Portugal and it doesn’t count. I will not go into it any further,” Mr Santos says.
“The referee apologised and told me that he was ashamed. I was in the changing room with him and he apologised. He told me on the pitch that he was going to look at the images and if it was the case, he would call me to apologise … and that’s what he did,” according to him.
Watch the goal below:
Credit: African Entertainment