Former La Liga referee Mateu Lahoz has admitted that he was left bemused by the decision to disallow Barcelona star Raphinha’s first-half goal against Las Palmas over the weekend.
Wide-man Raphinha, of course, proved himself the decisive figure for Barcelona on Saturday, notching the only goal of a narrow victory over the aforementioned Las Palmas.
As much only came, however, after the Brazilian had seen a previous strike ruled out for offside, in controversial fashion.
After Robert Lewandowski’s dart through on goal was cut out, the ball fell kindly to Raphinha, who slotted home into what was an empty net.
Upon VAR reviewing the situation, however, it was decided that the former Leeds United man’s previous offside position meant that the goal should not stand.
This came despite Raphinha having not interfered in the first phase of play, and a member of the Las Palmas backline touching the ball.
Those of a Barcelona persuasion were quick to reveal their collective frustration with the call, adamant that their side had been the victims of another high-profile VAR mistake.
And, as alluded to above, such Blaugrana supporters have today been backed by a one-time lead referee in La Liga.
Speaking during an appearance on Movistar on Monday night, Mateu Lahoz did not hold back, in slamming the officials to have taken charge of the Montjuïc fixture:
“It’s an embarrassment. It’s crazy that this goal is ruled out. Raphinha is only in that position, there is no influence. He can’t be punished. How is it Raphinha’s fault for being in that position?”
Conor Laird | GSFN
