Chairman of the AFFA Referees Committee, Frank De Bleeckere, has clarified the controversial moments from Matchday XI of the Misli Premier League.
According to Idman.biz, De Bleeckere provided an analysis of these situations to AFFA’s press service.
Commenting on the 13th-minute incident in the Turan Tovuz vs. Kapaz match, he explained: "In the penalty area, Turan Tovuz’s No. 25 (Denis Marandici) and Kapaz’s No. 70 (Nijat Suleymanov) engaged in a duel. Positioned well, the referee decided not to award a penalty, noting a possible light contact from Turan Tovuz’s player’s left foot. Not every contact is a foul... We support the referee’s decision, which aligns with international guidance on not awarding penalties for light touches. In this case, VAR did not intervene."
In the 15th minute, Turan Tovuz’s No. 77 (Veysel Rzayev) scored a goal, confirmed by the referee. VAR reviewed all footage for any possible handball violation before the goal but found no clear evidence to overturn the referee's decision.
In the 56th minute, Turan Tovuz’s captain, No. 9 (Cristian da Silva), attempted to play the ball while it was airborne, resulting in a foul. The referee noted the infraction but refrained from issuing a card, as da Silva was visibly focused on the ball, and his contact with the opponent was low-intensity and accidental. The referee’s decision not to send him off with a second yellow card was correct. The guidelines for a second yellow are clear – the foul must be blatant and reckless. (Turan Tovuz’s No. 9 received a yellow card in the 55th minute.)
Frank De Bleeckere also addressed the Qarabag vs. Shamakhi match: "In the 48th minute, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Qarabag. VAR reviewed the footage and upheld the referee’s decision. However, this was a wrong call. During the duel, the attacker played the ball, but the defender also made contact. VAR intervention was anticipated for this scenario."
Turan Tovuz defeated Kapaz 2-1, and Qarabag beat Shamakhi 3-0.
Idman.biz
