A goal was disallowed for the first time in football history this weekend, with the referee explaining the decision into the microphone during Rio Ave’s 0-0 draw with Sporting Braga in the Portuguese league.

Football refereePhoto: Panoramic / Bestimage / Profimedia

The referee announced into the microphone to the whole stadium the reason why he disallowed the goal scored in the match between Rio Ave and Sporting Braga

Simon Banza scored a header for Braga on Saturday night in the 25th round of the Portuguese league, but his goal was disallowed for offside before kick-off.

So far, there is nothing new since the introduction of video assistance (no VAR), but one detail has changed everything for the overall experience of players, fans and coaches.

The main referee of this match, Fabio Verissimo, explained into the microphone to the entire stadium why Simone Banza’s goal was disallowed.

Combined with the whistles of those who disagreed and the applause of those who were convinced of the novelty, play was resumed.

It was an unprecedented innovation, and the next day, Benfica was denied a penalty, which was again arbitrated by the referee in a 3-1 loss to Estoril, according to News.ro.