When the referee prevents a goal

Curious scene in Mexico during the first division game between Cruz Azul and Toluca:  The  hosts have the 3-0 on the foot, but the referee is in the way and prevents the goal.

You don’t see something like that every day: Cruz Azul is on the best way towards the preliminary decision in the game against Deportivo Toluca, but in the end the referee keeps the guests in the game with an involuntary rescue operation.

In the 36th minute, Luis Romo runs towards the Toluca goal all by himself and has a big chance to make it 3-0. Romo curves around the goalie, but does not hit the empty box, only the post. Fortunately, Jonathan Rodriguez is ready and can use the rebound – think!

Referee Oscar Macias stands in the way and prevents the home team from scoring a third goal.  The  Cruz Azul players are absolutely delighted and can’t believe what just happened. But Macias has no choice but to continue the game 2-0. Why there is no indirect free kick for Cruz Azul, however, will probably remain his secret. After all, according to the new interpretation of the rules, the referee is no longer “air” and possession of the ball would have to remain with the disadvantaged team.

Anyway: Cruz Azul seems to completely lose the thread after the crazy scene, Toluca equalizes 2-2 before the break. After the break, the hosts find their feet again and can still score the 3-2 winning goal. Thank goodness, otherwise the referee’s curious rescue act would have provided a lot more to talk about.