River Plate beat Gremio to reach Copa Libertadores final in crazy scenes as referee needs riot police protection after late VAR controversy… and they could face bitter rivals Boca Juniors next

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River Plate beat Gremio to reach Copa Libertadores final in crazy scenes as referee needs riot police protection after late VAR controversy… and they could face bitter rivals Boca Juniors next

RIVER PLATE’S shock win over Gremio in the Copa Libertadores semi-final descended into chaos after the referee was escorted off the field by police with riot shields.

The Argentinean side looked dead and buried when they went 1-0 down against the Brazilian side following on from their 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg.

Riot police were forced to surround the referee after the gameEPA Gremio players were furious with the penalty decisionReuters

They were being totally outplayed until they pulled one back in the 82nd minute through a scrappy free-kick.

River Plate knew another away goal would snatch an unlikely victory and they piled men forward looking for a stroke of luck.

Just minutes before full-time they got it when the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty with the help of VAR.

A Gremio player was adjudged to have handled a strike on goal despite no protests from the River Plate players.

Rover Plate players celebrate while Gremio’s protest in the backgroundAFP or licensors A 95th minute penalty knocked Gremio out of the cupAFP or licensors River Plate could now face fierce rivals Boca Juniors in the finalAP:Associated Press

The home side were furious and spent SEVEN minutes protesting to the referee over the decision.

With 13 minutes of added time, River Plate eventually scored the penalty in the 95th minute to send Gremio packing.

But the drama didn’t end there.

At the full-time whistle police with riot shields were forced to surround the officials against Gremio players that remained furious with the decision.

Gremio players were pleading with the officials at full-timeEPA Sheer jubilation from the Argentinean sideReuters Gremio were 2-0 ahead on aggregate before throwing it awayReuters

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The pain on Gremio’s faces was plain to seeEPA

River Plate’s reward for their achievements could be a final against their arch and bitter enemies Boca Juniors.

The Buenos Aires derby is considered one of the biggest in world football and often sparks trouble among the supporters.

Boca Juniors will need to turnaround a 2-0 deficit away at Palmeiras if they are to progress.

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