Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was in the middle when Cristiano Ronaldo claimed a stoppage-time goal after Portugal had blown a two-goal lead against Serbia in Belgrade.
Ronaldo’s shot appeared to cross the line as Serbia defender Stefan Mitrovic slid to clear it, yet the referee nor linesman paid the goal.
“As per FIFA’s policies, all I can say is that I apologised to the national coach, Mr. Fernando Santos, and to the Portuguese team for what happened,” Makkelie told A Bola.
“As a referee team, we always work hard to make good decisions. When we are in the news in this manner, it doesn’t make us happy at all.”
There is no video assistant referee in UEFA World Cup qualifying, meaning the decision couldn’t be reviewed or overturned despite replays showing it had crossed the line.
The result leaves Portugal with four points from their opening two qualifiers after edging past a defensive Azerbaijan 1-0 in their opener.
Ronaldo fumed at the non-decision at the time with strong protestations as captain, appearing to walk off the pitch, but teammate Ruben Neves said he had nothing to apologise for.
“He doesn’t have to apologise. Ronaldo is an exemplary player and captain,” Neves said.
“I think we all feel a little bit of the frustration he felt at that moment; it was a difficult time for us.”
Portugal return to action against Luxembourg on Tuesday.