Sesko and Acerbi: similar incidents but different VAR decisions for offside goal

Benjamin Sesko had a goal disallowed for offside in RB Leipzig’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid, but a similar incident in Roma–Inter last week had been judged differently as Francesco Acerbi’s goal stood.

Milan and Chelsea target Sesko thought he had opened the account in a Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but despite being onside, VAR disallowed his goal. His teammate Benjamin Henrichs, in fact, interfered with play despite being behind Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin.

A similar incident happened in Saturday’s Serie A meeting between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, but it led to a different VAR decision.

In fact, Acerbi’s opening goal stood despite Thuram being offside. Following a pitchside review, referee Marco Guida decided that Thuram was not in a position to prevent the goalkeeper from getting to that Acerbi header.

The only difference with the Leipzig goal is that official Irfan Peljto was not urged at the pitchside screen and VAR disallowed the hosts’ goal through a silent check.

Roma coach De Rossi refused to blame the referee after his decision on Saturday, saying: “I spoke to Guida and told him that many offsides like that were flagged, but in my view that’s never offside.”