Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Police had to escort the referee off the pitch at full-time

A referee had to be escorted off the pitch by police after a controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision in the Asian Champions League semi-finals sparked fury.

Japanese side Machida Zelvia were leading Shabab Al-Ahli 1-0 in stoppage time, but the Dubai-based team thought they had snatched a last-gasp equaliser - only for it to be ruled out for an unusual reason.

Guilherme Bala's superb solo effort was initially allowed to stand by the referee before it was chalked off after a VAR review. It was deemed the UAE Pro League side had restarted play with a throw-in while Machida were still making a substitution.

The decision sparked chaos with Shabab Al-Ahli players surrounding the referee, boss Paulo Sousa storming down the tunnel before the game had finished and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqbaali sent off after the final whistle.

Referee Shaun Evans had to be led off the field with a police escort.

In what is their competition debut, Machida will now play Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli - the reigning champions - in the final on 25 April.

"There was a goal that was scored and then it was cancelled - this is a very technical mistake by the referee," Sousa claimed.

"Unfortunately this is what is turning football into rubble. It was a big mistake to choose this referee for this match.

"We deserved to be in the final and we deserve to play this important game."