Raja Club Athletic coach Ricardo Sa Pinto has suggested the implementation of Video Assistant Referee [VAR] in the CAF Champions League group stages after his side had two goals wiped off in their loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. 

Raja got an opportunity to equalize through their right-back Mohamed Boulacsout, but the goal was ruled out offside by the assistant referee. 

That led to Pinto not being happy about the match officials’ decision and even feeling like his team was ‘robbed’.

“Like I said, in my opinion, it’s a clear goal,” disappointed Pinto said. 

 “The player that was offside didn’t interfere. I think at this level everybody who is the champion deserves the truth of the match. 

“I think at this level we need to have VAR in all games, not only in the quarterfinals but in group stages as well. It’s important to everybody. 

 “If we try to find more serious and more honest football everywhere, so we need to be serious in all matches from group stages to knockout stages.”

VAR is not used in CAF club competitions group stages but only in the knockout stages.  

This was the second defeat for the Moroccan giant in the group stage of the Champions League this season, which has put their chances on the back foot of reaching the knockout stages.

In their first game, Raja lost to their rivals in the Botola Pro AS FAR. Pinto’s side currently sitting at the bottom of the log table with only one point they got against AS Maniema Union. 

The next game for Raja in the Champions League will be against the Brazilians next year in January.