A controversial VAR decision in the Asian Champions League semi-final between Shabab Al-Ahli and Machida Zelvia sparked chaos at the final whistle. The Japanese side thought they had secured a 1-0 victory in stoppage time, but the Dubai-based team's last-gasp equalizer was ruled out after a review. The goal was disallowed because Shabab Al-Ahli had restarted play with a throw-in while Machida were still making a substitution.

The decision triggered a furious response from Shabab Al-Ahli. Players surrounded the referee, manager Paulo Sousa stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle, and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqbaali was sent off after the match. Referee Shaun Evans required a police escort to leave the field safely. The unusual ruling left the UAE Pro League side devastated and questioning the match officials' competence.

This marks Machida Zelvia's debut in the competition, and they will face Al-Ahli - the reigning champions from Saudi Arabia - in the final on April 25. Sousa was scathing in his criticism, calling it "a very technical mistake" that's "turning football into rubble." The dramatic scenes overshadowed what should have been a celebration for the Japanese club's historic achievement.