Rennes are denied a vital last-minute equaliser against Villarreal because of BIZARRE free-kick rule as fans are left 'baffled' by 'unreal decision' - to deny them top spot in Europa League group and see Spaniards qualify for last 16

Rennes were denied a vital last-gasp equaliser in their final Europa League group stage clash against Villarreal on Thursday in the most bizarre circumstances.

A goal at the end of the match would have snatched Rennes a point and more importantly result in them topping the group above their Spanish opponents. 

Lorenz Assignon thought he had scored at the death to level the score 3-3 and so did everyone inside the stadium, along with television commentator Sam Matterface, but it was quickly chalked out after VAR's intervention.

Offside was the initial proposed reasoning on TNT Sport's coverage as referee Atilla Karaoglan raised his arm in the air signalling the goal had been ruled out, but the real reason is believed to be because of a strange rule that occurred when a free-kick was taken in the goal's build-up.

Rennes midfielder Enzo Le Fee smashed a free-kick from the edge of the box into the woodwork with the ball then rebounding back out to him before hitting another player.

His attempted shot was then blocked and several passes later, Assignon arrived in the box to smash his shot past goalkeeper Pepe Reina and into the back of the net.

The unusual ruling is further explained by England's FA in Law 13 covering free-kicks where it explains how a player taking a free-kick can't touch the ball first without another player touching it once the ball is in play.

The law states: 'If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded.' UEFA are believed to use the same ruling.

Social media was as stunned as those inside Roazhon Park and blasted the disallowing of the goal that was scored in the 10th-minute of the six that had been allocated in stoppage time. 

Matterface posted on X after the match: 'I’m still baffled…..' while sharing a clip of the goal.

Another comment furiously stated: 'What have I just witnessed in this Rennes/Villarreal game. Tying goal was called out due to interference, but the replays show that the player was onside. I'm blown away at how VAR has called that out. Unreal decision.'

Others posed similar questions as to why the goal had been disallowed, with one post stating: 'Can someone explain to me why that Rennes equaliser against Villarreal was disallowed? Watching with the sound off and I've absolutely no idea what the issue was. Offside?'

French broadcaster RMC Sport also joined in stating: 'Rennes loses first place in its group due to this refereeing decision, visibly offside.'

The match ended soon after the goal was disallowed with Villarreal claiming first place in the group meaning they will be given a more favourable draw in the round of 32.