The match between Barcelona and UD Las Palmas was shrouded in controversy from the early stages of the game. Just 20 minutes in, a referee decision left players, fans, and experts perplexed. Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer, with the assistance of VAR, chose to disallow a goal by Raphinha for offside.
A legal goal that should have been on the scoreboard
The play in question is a complex scenario where the interpretation of the rules of the game comes into play. Raphinha, Barcelona's forward, started the action in an offside position. However, as the play progressed, the Brazilian managed to position himself correctly.
The ball reached his feet after a tussle between Lewandowski and UD Las Palmas defender, Coco. Raphinha, in a legal position, seized the opportunity to beat the opposing goalkeeper. Therefore, the goal should have been on the scoreboard.
Uncertainty took over the stadium while the referee and VAR deliberated on the fate of the goal. Finally, the decision leaned toward annulment, preventing Barcelona from taking the lead. This action did not go unnoticed by the spectators, and criticism and questions began to arise.
Mateu Lahoz comments on what happened: "It's an embarrassment"
The former Spanish referee, Mateu Lahoz, has described the referee decision to disallow a goal by Raphinha for offside as "an embarrassment." He argued that the player did not influence the play.
Additionally, Lahoz questions the referee's criteria and suggests that he should never be penalized or cautioned, as his position did not affect the development of the play.
The lack of transparency in referee explanations has also been a cause for concern. In the case of the disallowed goal, Sergi Roberto revealed that the referee told him he would explain the decision when he had time, suggesting it was difficult to explain. This lack of clarity only fuels speculation and distrust in the integrity of refereeing.
Discontent in the soccer world is growing due to the lack of transparency and the perception of bias in referee decisions. This raises serious doubts about the integrity of the game.