(foto: Getty Images)
Referee Thomas Leonard used vanishing spray to keep players away during a VAR check in Nice vs Lens, creating a viral moment that caught global attention.
An unusual refereeing moment stole attention in Ligue 1 during the clash between Nice and Lens, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Referee Thomas Leonard found himself surrounded by players late in the match as tensions rose following a goal from Ali Abdi in the 84th minute.
While waiting for confirmation from VAR, players from both sides rushed toward him, trying to influence the decision.
Instead of repeated warnings, Leonard used a simple but clever solution. He took his vanishing spray and drew a line in front of himself, marking a clear boundary that players were not allowed to cross.
The reaction was immediate. Players stepped back, the situation calmed, and the referee gained space to focus on the decision.
The moment quickly spread across social media, with fans and analysts praising the quick thinking and humor behind the move.
After the review, the goal was disallowed, leaving Lens frustrated as they missed a chance to close the gap at the top of the table.
Interestingly, a similar situation was reported in Brazil, where referees used the same idea to manage player pressure during key moments, raising questions about whether this could become a wider trend in modern officiating.
[L1+] The referee in the match between Nice - Lens draws a line and asks the players to keep their distance while the VAR check is going on.
by u/Sparky-moon in soccer