Controversy at Montilivi: Lamine Yamal’s Penalty Should’ve Been Retaken

Controversy surrounding officiating decisions continues in La Liga, with the latest incident involving Lamine Yamal’s missed penalty during the match between FC Barcelona and Girona at Montilivi.

Lamine Yamal’s Penalty Incident

During injury time, Yamal took a penalty that was awarded after a foul on Dani Olmo. The forward’s shot struck the post, and Barcelona left the field with a draw.

However, the penalty was contentious. At the moment of the kick, three Girona players crossed into the area, violating the rules. According to regulations, if players encroach during a penalty, the kick should be retaken. Unfortunately, this action was not reviewed by VAR.

Expert Opinions on the Controversy

• Edu Iturralde González, a former international referee, stated, “The penalty should have been retaken.” He emphasized that this situation is not open to interpretation.
• González pointed out the involvement of players like Bryan Gil and De Jong in contesting the ball, which further complicates the validity of the original penalty.

Historical Context of Officiating Issues

This incident adds to a growing list of controversial calls against FC Barcelona. Referee César Soto Grado was in charge of the match and has been a point of contention for the club.

This season, Soto Grado has officiated three games involving Barcelona, including notable events such as a double yellow card issued to Pedri during a classic match. His decisions have contributed to the club’s dissatisfaction with officiating standards.

Statistics Related to Soto Grado’s Officiating

Soto Grado has refereed a total of 16 Barcelona matches, yielding seven victories, three draws, and six defeats. The ongoing scrutiny of officiating practices remains a critical issue for the team as they navigate the current season.