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Sports
Referee Controversy Fuels Late Winner in Goa vs Bengaluru ISL Clash
✍️ Livemint
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 01:38 AM
👁 9
A contentious refereeing decision in the ISL 2026‑27 match between Goa and Bengaluru led to a late winner, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
In the 2026‑27 Indian Super League season, Goa hosted Bengaluru in a closely fought encounter that saw the match decided in the final minutes.
Midway through the second half, the referee awarded a penalty to Goa after a handball was spotted in the penalty area. The decision was immediately challenged by Bengaluru players and supporters, who argued that the handball was accidental.
The penalty was converted by Goa’s striker in the 88th minute, giving the home side a 2‑1 victory. The late goal left Bengaluru with little time to respond and sealed the win for Goa.
The controversial call has reignited discussions about VAR usage and referee training in the ISL, with pundits calling for clearer guidelines to prevent similar incidents in future matches.
Midway through the second half, the referee awarded a penalty to Goa after a handball was spotted in the penalty area. The decision was immediately challenged by Bengaluru players and supporters, who argued that the handball was accidental.
The penalty was converted by Goa’s striker in the 88th minute, giving the home side a 2‑1 victory. The late goal left Bengaluru with little time to respond and sealed the win for Goa.
The controversial call has reignited discussions about VAR usage and referee training in the ISL, with pundits calling for clearer guidelines to prevent similar incidents in future matches.