UEFA ‘set to introduce VAR from quarter-final stage at Euro U21s’ following controversial decisions

UEFA are planning to introduce VAR to the Under 21 European Championships from the quarter-final stage. 

It comes after a string of errors during Italy’s 2-1 loss to France.

The most shocking was when Raoul Bellanova’s last-minute header crossed the line, and France’s Castello Lukeba appeared to scoop the ball away with his hand, but nothing was given as Italy clamoured for justice. 

A foul was also missed in the build-up to France’s second goal earlier in the game. 

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, UEFA have decided to make the changes after the refereeing mistakes. 

Raoul Bellanova’s last-minute header for Italy appeared to cross the line but nothing was given

To make matters worse, France’s Castello Lukeba seemed to scoop the ball away with his hand

Following the match, Italy boss Paolo Nicolato told Sky Sport Italia: ‘I don’t expect the referee’s apologies. I don’t think he even owes one to us. He will be the first to be sorry for his mistake.

‘The impression I got is that by removing the VAR from referees who were used to using it, now even the referees themselves do not make decisions quickly, and are no longer used to paying attention to certain things because they were often resolved by the VAR.’

Goals from Rennes’ Arnaud Kalimuendo and Lyon forward Bradley Barcola were enough to see France walk away with all three points, despite Pietro Pellegri’s goal for Italy.  

Last night’s clash was held at the Cluj Arena in Romania.

VAR was implemented in the Romanian league for the first time this season.  

Some might not consider the quarter-finals soon enough for this competition in Romania and Georgia. The quarters are still some way off – there are 16 games until that stage, two for each team. 

Italy couldn’t quite believe the goal wasn’t awareded and were left pleading to the referee 

A clear foul was also missed in the build-up to France’s second goal earlier on in the game