Astonishing moment referee ignores VAR and REFUSES to send players off for two-footed tackle and punch in face

THIS is the astonishing moment a referee ignored VAR’s recommendation and refused to send players off following chaos on the pitch.

Uruguayan giants Nacional and Argentine aces River Plate played out a fiery Copa Libertadores group stage game on Tuesday night.

A ref failed to produce a red card for a shocking tackle during a fiery South American matchFOX Sports via X formerly Twitter

FOX Sports via X formerly TwitterThe official also ignored VAR regarding a clear punch to the face during a mass brawl[/caption]

Visitors River took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pegged back late on by two goals in as many minutes from Nacional’s Gonzalo Carneiro.

However, things could have turned out differently had the referee opted to show several red cards earlier in the match.

With River ahead 2-0 early in the second half, chaos reigned when Nacional’ player’s Leandro Lozano launched an outrageous two-footed lunge on an opponent.

The naughty footballer left the floor as he walloped the River star, who cried out in pain from the resulting challenge.

This sparked a massive on-field melee between stars from both sides, with plenty of pushing and shoving.

It quickly escalated as several punches were thrown, with footage showing River’s Paulo Diaz being punched in the face by Franco Romero of Nacional.

And VAR quickly interjected to tell the ref to look at the pitch-side monitor before doling out any punishment.

The official took his time on the sideline, watching several replays of the tackle and resulting brawl.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

However, in incredible scenes, Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco opted not to show a single red card.

Instead, he dished out several yellows to keep the wild flow of the game going.

River were left fuming that Nacional escaped red cards in the Copa Libertadores gameFOX Sports via X formerly Twitter

Nacional kept all their players on the pitch before sealing a 2-2 comebackFOX Sports via X formerly Twitter

But River fans were not happy, especially as the lack of serious action eventually led to Nacional rescuing a draw.

One said: “A shame due to the refereeing errors.”

Another declared: “That’s a red card.”

One noted: “The tackle and the punch were red, these errors cannot just remain like this.”

Another added: “Everything is against us, they robbed us with VAR showing everything.”