Late VAR Drama Denies Stags All Three Points

In a night where VAR took centre stage, BG Tampines Rovers were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time penalty to draw 3-3 with Balestier Khalsa in a pulsating Singapore Premier League encounter.

The Stags made just one change to the side that stunned BG Pathum United in the AFC Champions League Two - Joel Chew came in for Glenn Kweh - and looked to build momentum ahead of a massive midweek clash with Pohang Steelers.

But from the opening whistle, it was clear this would be no ordinary game.

A Whirlwind First Half

Despite Balestier starting brightly through new signing Jakov Katusa, it was the Stags who struck first after just five minutes.

Hide Higashikawa found the bottom corner after a ricochet off a Tigers defender fell kindly to him - and while the linesman’s flag initially went up for offside, VAR overturned the decision after a lengthy review to award the goal.

Tampines looked dangerous in transition, threatening repeatedly with their pace in behind Balestier’s high defensive line. Koya Kazama and Takeshi Yoshimoto both came close to doubling the lead but it was the visitors who got the next goal. Masahiro Sugita's bouncing long-range effort rooted Syazwan Buhari to the spot, and levelled the game.

The visitors then thought they had earned a penalty in the 33rd minute when Harith Kanadi went down under minimal contact from Shuya Yamashita - but after another VAR review, the spot-kick was rescinded and Harith was booked for simulation instead.

The Stags nearly grabbed a second on the stroke of half-time through a brilliant mazy run from Seiga Sumi, but his effort rippled the wrong side of the net, ending the first half on level terms. 

Goals, Goals, Goals - And More VAR

The second half exploded into life almost immediately.

Super-sub Glenn Kweh, on for Koya at the break, coolly slotted home after a superb touch and assist from Hide. Initially flagged offside, the decision was again overturned after a VAR check.

Shah Shahiran thought he had made it 3-1 moments later from a Glenn cutback, but this time, another VAR check ruled the goal out after determining a handball by Hide in the build-up.

The visitors rallied and began to push forward, with Vujanic and Katusa both forcing Syazwan into a pair of strong saves from distance. Their pressure reaped rewards when former Stag Madhu Mohana guided a first-time finish into the far corner to level the scores again.

But Tampines responded in style.

Shah’s pinpoint cross from the right found Glenn who produced a brilliant cushioned volley to restore the Stags’ lead and notch his second of the night.

The Singapore international nearly completed his hat-trick mere minutes later but fired over from a brilliant Trent Buhagiar cutback.

Heartbreak At The Death

As the game ticked deep into stoppage time - 17 minutes of it in total - it looked like Tampines had done enough to hold on to a slim 3-2 win.

However, Dylan Fox was adjudged to have handled Daniel Goh’s cross inside the box shortly into added time. After yet another lengthy VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.

Tin Matic made no mistake from 12 yards, dispatching the penalty past Syazwan with the last kick of the game to rescue a point for Balestier and stun the home faithful.

Despite the late heartbreak, the Stags showed plenty of character, quality and fight throughout the 90 minutes in a very open game. With a massive AFC Champions League Two clash against tournament favourites Pohang Steelers coming up this Thursday, the team will undoubtedly regroup and go again. 

Your support has been incredible, so let’s rally behind the boys again and fill the stands at Bishan Stadium with your energy as we try to make history together!