Jacy's VAR-Disallowed Goal Turns Into Celebration Nightmare

For a few wild seconds at the Couto Pereira Stadium, Jacy Maranhao was living every centre-back’s dream.

The Coritiba defender, 29, had just powered in a header against Chapecoense in Brazil’s top flight, putting his side 1-0 up in the 41st minute. The stadium erupted. So did he.

He sprinted towards the home fans, adrenaline surging, and launched himself over the advertising boards in a classic, chest-out celebration. Then he vanished.

On the other side of the hoardings, instead of solid ground and outstretched arms, there was a tunnel leading down towards the away dressing room. Jacy disappeared into it, swallowed by the gap, leaving team-mates and supporters momentarily stunned.

He eventually clambered back out, gingerly, clearly in pain. The landing had twisted his ankle. The roar of celebration had turned into a murmur of concern.

Then came the final twist. VAR stepped in. After review, the goal was ruled out. No 1-0 lead. No dream moment for a defender who “hardly ever” scores. Just an injured ankle and a clip destined to be replayed around the world.

To complete the cruel sequence, Jacy was forced off shortly after half-time, unable to continue. Coritiba still went on to win 2-1, but the afternoon that could have belonged to their centre-back became something else entirely: a cautionary tale in over-celebration.

“I twisted my foot there. It’s a bit sore, but I’m fine,” Jacy said afterwards. “Centre-backs hardly ever score goals. So when you do score ... I just got carried away.”

He’s not the first to be caught out by that hidden drop at Couto Pereira. In 2014, Cameroon striker Joel suffered a similar fate, leaping the barriers and tumbling down the same passageway during Coritiba’s 3-1 win over Sao Paulo.

Different match, different year, same stadium, same trap. And for defenders like Jacy, who wait so long for their moment in front of goal, the question lingers: next time the ball hits the net, will the instinct to fly toward the fans win out over the memory of that fall into the dark?