Qarabag, a team from a disputed region of Azerbaijan, achieved a surprising victory against a Portuguese side on Thursday night. Abdellah Zoubir scored Qarabag’s second goal from a free-kick, which was initially deemed offside by the on-field officials. However, a VAR review revealed that the player taking up the ‘draught excluder’ position behind the wall had played Zoubir onside.
This incident has sparked discussions among football fans, with many expressing hope that it marks the end of this controversial tactic in professional football. Some fans took to social media to share their opinions on the matter, with one labeling the use of the ‘draught excluder’ as “one of the most ridiculous things that has ever come into the game.” Another fan described it as “absolute nonsense” and called for its removal from the game.
Others found humor in the situation, with one fan jokingly referring to the ‘draught excluder’ as the reason for Qarabag’s onside position and another labeling the incident as “hilarious.” Despite Qarabag’s success, Braga were able to narrow the gap when Joao Moutinho scored from the spot in the 91st minute. As a result, Braga faces the challenge of traveling 3,500 miles to the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, later in the month, aiming to overcome the two-goal deficit.
