FOOTIE fans were left stunned after a horror tackle went unpunished in the Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday night.
The horrific challenge occurred during Welsh side The New Saints FC’s trip to Lithuania to play FK Panevezys in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.
Panevezys midfielder Nicolas Gorbosov recklessly put in a stomaching-churning two-footed challenge on TNS defender Jack Bodenham.
Gorbosov, 34, leapt off the ground with both feet as Bodenham tried to play the ball at the touchline with his left foot.
And the Argentine stamped down with his studs showing as the 24-year-old passed the ball.
Thankfully for Bodenham, his left leg wasn’t fully planted as Gorbosov’s horrific attempt of a challenge connected with him.
The tackle looked like an instant red card in real time but the referee didn’t give Gorbosov his marching orders, instead going to the VAR.
And much to the shock of TNS fans and players alike, the video assistant referee didn’t deem the tackle worthy of a red card.
The challenge went viral on social media and received a slew of comments, with one viewer saying: “Deary me.
“As clear a red you’ll see for a decade.”
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Another said: “Literally jumps in 2 footed. Gone to do him. That’s a bad one.”
And another said: “Studs first, excessive force, not in control…how is this not a sending off on several levels?”
One remarked: “Shocking tackle.”
Another chimed in: “Clearest red you’ll ever see.”
TNS moved to within touching distance of the group stages of Europe’s third-ranked club competition with a 3-0 win in Lithuania.
Second-half goals from Daniel James Davies, Daniel Williams and Ben Clark put the club on the brink of Welsh history.
Should they avoid a four-goal defeat in their return leg at Park Hall next week, they’ll become the FIRST-EVER Welsh side to qualify for the group stage of a European club competition.
