Report.az
There were no serious refereeing errors in the "Athletic" - "Qarabag" match held in the League stage of the UEFA Champions League.
This was stated to "Report" by FIFA referee Fariz Yusifov.
He said that the Croatian head referee of the match, Igor Pajac, made the right decisions:
"It was a difficult game for Qarabag. Although we scored an early goal. Athletic's style of play is very different from ours. They were very dynamic and fast. As far as I know, the referee who controlled the game does not have much experience in the UEFA Champions League. The referee's decision in the penalty episode was correct. Because he made the decision after analyzing it. It is true that at first glance it may seem that the defender touched the Qarabag player, not the ball. However, when you look at the video replay, it is clear that the defender touched the ball first after the 'sliding tackle'. VAR also analyzed the episode and said that the defender first touched the ball and then the Qarabag player. Even if you noticed, our football player did not protest. Because he saw that the opponent touched the ball first".
F.Yusifov said that all decisions were made on time and in place:
"I didn't see any serious refereeing errors in the game. Yellow cards were given on time and in place. It is interesting that the referee recorded a corner kick firmly in the penalty episode. Making a firm decision is one of the greatest qualities of a referee. Also, the defender performed the 'sliding tackle' correctly, intervening the ball with one foot. One of the main factors in football is the correct execution of the 'sliding tackle'. I think the referee made the right decision".
It should be noted that the "Athletic" - "Qarabag" match held at the "San Mames" stadium in Bilbao ended with a 3:1 victory of the Spanish club. The match was managed by Croatian FIFA referee Igor Pajac.
