The Villarreal manager was annoyed after the controversial refereeing decisions against Athletic
Villarreal manager Javi Calleja couldn’t understand a number of decisions made by David Medié Jiménez against Athletic Club. In fact, for the Yellows head coach, the ‘performance of the referee determined’ the final outcome.
Calleja underlined that both teams gave their all on the pitch and that the three points went to the Basque side because of the referee’s decisions: “The match was tight. It was the referee’s performance which determined the game. The was a lack of consistency for his standards. For key decisions, he only looked one way. For me, the tackle on Cazorla is a red card because it’s knee high, and the first penalty isn’t a penalty. Pau can’t cut his arms off. It’s incredible that VAR didn’t correct that decision. Whenever Gil Manzano is the VAR referee, every controversial moment doesn’t go towards the team wearing yellow.”
He was unable to hide his frustration: “I feel impotent. The two teams played well and I don’t understand the refereeing decisions. After the penalty they gave against us today, I understand that every time the ball hits an arm in the box it’s a penalty. VAR was quick to intervene for the Raúl Albiol handball and then didn’t get involved on the penalty against Alcácer. The facts are there, and the refereeing decisions are clear.”
Despite the setback, Calleja is optimistic ahead of the future: “There are a lot of games left and we will fight until the end of the season to be in the European spots. If Athletic have a chance of being there, we have even more of a chance.”
