Heartbreak for Milan teenager Francesco Camarda as goal ruled out but he still sets record

MILAN (AP) — AC Milan teenager Francesco Camarda thought he had become the youngest Champions League goalscorer in history. But then the VAR intervened.

The 16-year-old Camarda threw off his jersey in celebration as he wheeled away after heading in a Tijjani Reijnders cross late on in Milan’s match against Club Brugge on Tuesday. He then stood in front of the Milan fans with his hands cupped to his ears before being hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders.

Camarda’s mother and his girlfriend were shown in the stands wiping away their tears.

However, the goal was then ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside. To add insult to injury, Camarda was shown a yellow card for taking his shirt off.

“It was emotional, I think the best feeling of my life but then the VAR played a trick on me,” Camarda said after the match. “I’m really disappointed but these are things that happen, especially in modern day soccer.”

Camarda would have become the youngest Champions League scorer at 16 years and 226 days. The is held by Ansu Fati, who was 17 years and 40 days when he netted for Barcelona against Inter Milan in 2019.

Instead, he had to settle for just the one record: becoming the youngest Italian debutant in the competition when he was brought on in the 75th minute as the San Siro crowd chanted his name.

“The record gives me a lot of pride, honestly, but now it pushes me to give more to improve and ensure that these nights happen more often,” said Camarda, who added that it was “absolutely” the best night of his career.

He was fiercely hugged by his father pitchside after the match, which Milan won 3-1.

Camarda — who is considered one of Italy’s brightest prospects — holds the record for the youngest player in Serie A history, set when he played against Fiorentina last season aged just 15.

He had played only one other match for Milan, also last season.