Portugal Manager Fernando Santos said that the referee apologized for the goal not given after viewing images, News premises reports.
Santos made the disclosure at his post match press conference, shortly after the match.
According to him, the referee called him and apologized for disallowing the wining goal, adding that this is the second time in a qualification that he would received an apology after a match.
“He called me, I went there and he apologized to me. It is the second time in a qualification that I have received an apology after a match,” he said.
Santos said the referee blamed his action on goal line technology that was not made available during the match.
“He told me that there was no goal line technology and it is important that there should be,” the manager added.
Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have won it for Portugal in the closing stages of the game, but his Joy was short-lived as the match officials instantly ruled out the goal.
Ronaldo threw his captain band on the ground and stormed out of the stadium following the decision, despite play still ongoing.
Portugal have dropped 2 precious points due to poor officiating. Next is another away game at Luxembourg, wrapping up the international break for the reigning Nations League champions.
