Video evidence used for first time to award penalty

Japan’s Kashima Antlers became the first side to benefit from a video replay in a FIFA competition on Wednesday.

They scored a penalty kick from the replay in their 3-0 win over Colombian side Atletico Nacional in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.

Referee Viktor Kassai stopped the game after being alerted to an incident by his assistant, then he gave a penalty kick after viewing footage on a monitor.

Shoma Doi scored the kick, which was awarded for an off-the-ball trip.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kashima are the first Asian team to make the final of the competition.

Yasushi Endo back-heeled in the second, while Yuma Suzuki added a late third for the Antlers who will play Real Madrid or Club America in Sunday’s final.

The Club World Cup features champion club sides from each of FIFA’s six continental confederations.

Video assistant referees have been able to assist officials during two international friendlies this year, but the Club World Cup represents their first use in a FIFA competition.

Previous usage has been in what FIFA calls a “semi-live” scenario, where the referee was not able to review decisions on a pitch-side monitor.

(NAN)