Man City tie vs Monaco ends in chaos as players clash on pitch after VAR controversy

Manchester City's Champions League tie with Monaco ended in chaos after the Ligue 1 giants were awarded a late and contentious penalty. Pep Guardiola's side were minutes away from sealing a crucial three points on the road, but the referee was told by VAR to take a look at the monitor for a penalty check.

An Erling Haaland brace, either side of Jordan Teze's stunning effort from the edge of the box, had the visitors in command. But with just a few moments remaining, Monaco defender Eric Dier got his head on the end of a free-kick, which was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but a high foot from Nico Gonzalez caught the attention of VAR.

The referee was told to pause the action and take a look at the monitor, which often in the Premier League means that the decision will be overturned, but in Europe the official has been more likely to stick with their original call.

However, once Donnarumma stole the ball away to prevent Monaco from setting up the penalty, chaos ensued and he was dragged away - having already been booked earlier in the match for dissent.

A huge brawl between both sets of players erupted and a red card was brandished to a member of the Monaco coaching staff, while the referee still had not confirmed a penalty or even reached the monitor yet.

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Bernardo Silva was also booked for his role in the melee, while Donnarumma had brought the ball from inside his own penalty box to the dugout and refused to give it back.

Eventually, the referee was able to settle both sides down and did award a penalty to Monaco.

Former England star Dier stepped up and placed the ball in the bottom-right corner, giving the Italian goalkeeper little chance of preventing what City will feel was an undeserved equaliser.

They were given seven additional minutes to re-take their lead, and won a free-kick in a promising position to cross, with Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders deliberating over who should take it.

But their conversation mattered little as the ball did not trouble the Monaco defence and Haaland waved his arms in frustration that the ball did not go near him.

Guardiola was seething on the touchline as he tried encouraging his players to attack and get a very late winner, but his efforts were in vain and Monaco saw out the draw.