A footy ref left the pitch to review a possible foul during an amateur game using VAR…on a mobile phone.
Footage from the nine-a-side match shows how the official said something sternly to the players before walking towards the sideline.
He left the pitch and headed over to a young woman seated behind a makeshift desk with a mobile phone in her hand.
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She handed him the device so he could watch the play she had just filmed while she tugged on a cigarette.
After studying the action closely, the uniformed official handed back the phone and headed back onto the artificial turf.
The players did not protest as he signalled a free kick just outside the penalty area before the end of the footage.
The hilarious scenes unfolded at an amateur game between two local teams in Salta, north of Cordoba, Argentina, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The referee in question is apparently certified by the Salta Football League, according to local media.
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But official VAR is only used in Argentina’s top division, as it requires expensive cameras, monitors, and specialised tech.
Santi said: “He checked it quicker than they do in the first division.”
Another viewer said: “Haha, and on top of that, with a ciggie, this is cinema.”
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A third remarked: “If the girl filmed it from that position while sitting down, I doubt it’s a very clear angle.”
Adriano said: “Brilliant – and no one even complained.”
And Max asked: “Let’s cut to the chase – did it go in?”
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