A referee has sparked chaos in a League match after appearing to award a controversial penalty using VAR, despite the technology not being available in the league, MySportDab reports.

The spot-kick, given right at the death in a clash between top-flight sides Club Always Ready and Bolivar, was signalled for by referee Raul Orosco after consultation with the fourth official.

But footage has now emerged of the moment he mistakenly used the VAR gesture as an explanation for the decision.

Referee Orosco does appear to realise his mistake mid-way through the gesture, although the last-gasp reprieve for the hosts just moments before the final whistle wasn’t overturned.

Outrage from Bolivar’s players then forced riot police to intervene on the pitch and defuse the situation.