Watch never-before-seen penalty decision as defender’s ‘genius big brain moment’ gets brutally punished by referee

THE world of football has been split after witnessing a never-before-seen penalty decision.

Flamengo were awarded the controversial spotkick in their league win over Criciuma.

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Gabriel Barbosa made no mistake from the spot to complete a late comeback for the Brazilian giants.

But fans could not agree on whether Flamengo should have been awarded the penalty as the ref pointed to the spot in highly unusual circumstances.

Flamengo winger Everton burst into the box and went to take a shot, but the ball was taken away from his feet - by ANOTHER BALL.

Criciuma defender Allano kicked the second ball, which had been thrown back on the pitch by fans, into Everton's path.

In doing so it pinged off the match ball meaning Everton was unable to take his shot - so the referee awarded a penalty.

Allano also received a second yellow card so was sent off to add insult to injury, and fans debated over whether the correct decision was made.

Ifab, who determine the rules of the game, state: "If an extra ball or other object enters the field of play during the match, the referee must:

• STOP PLAY (and restart with a dropped ball) only if it interferes with play*

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• ALLOW PLAY TO CONTINUE if it does not interfere with play and have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity

*If the ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent a defending team player playing the ball, the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless the interference was by the attacking team."

One thing fans did agree on was the fact Allano showed quick thinking to try and prevent a goal, and was unfortunate to be punished.

A fan reacted saying: "I’m crying this is genius if I was the referee there’s no way I’d be able to give a penalty for this, 1000 IQ play."

Another added: "Clever thinking you have to admit."

And a third wrote: "If that worked then big brain moment lmao."