La Equidad lost against Fortaleza 2-1 in the first game of matchday 17 of the Colombian League. The game was decided in the last action of the game and that almost eliminated the Asegurador team. with 21 points in the absence of two games. The coach of the Asegurador team complained at the end of the match about the performance of the referee Andrés Rojas.
Alexis García pointed out that his rival did not deserve the victory and referred to three separate actions in which, he confirmed, the referee ruled the match. Garcia andlogged in Wilmar Roldánbut he made it clear that he cannot be leading all the parties in the country.
“Fortaleza are a great team, they deserve it, but today they didn’t deserve to winbecause punishment is not punishment, I only saw it again, four times; A header from Palacio is a handball from Mambo in the area, and that of Polanco in exile, that he is not dirty. Equity continues to fall into the same things, we are without protections,” he began the intervention at the press conference in earnest.
In this regard, he said: “I regret a lot, I was very happy, because they gave us a FIFA referee, but I regret the result of the game, because in football terms La Equidad deserved more, even with 10, against a great team, who gave us an incredible blow in the last game of the game, ie. but I’m being honest with youToday’s result happens a lot because someone who had nothing to do with the ball made a mistake. and those three plays are distinctive and I will pass them on to whoever needs them.”
On this subject, he said: “I’m looking for a penalty on the one hand and I can’t get it from them, I’m looking for a sack for Polanco’s expulsion and I can’t get it either, and if there is. There is no foul, then there should be no yellow card. And I saw a header from Palacio three meters away from Mambo that hit his hand, up here, which was incredible for me. “It is very difficult for me to analyze the game without mentioning those things that decided the result.”
Praise for Wilmar Roldán
Alexis García asked for a review of the country’s arbitration. “Wilmar Roldán cannot whistle every game, the referee must be reviewed. The best in Colombia and almost in the world whistle one way while the others whistle another, what do we do?he sentenced.
Interview: The Aftermath of La Equidad vs. Fortaleza – A Deep Dive into Refereeing in Colombian Football
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we have with us football expert Dr. Mariana López, who specializes in the tactical analysis of football and referee decision-making. Dr. López, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Mariana López: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a vital issue in football.
Editor: Let’s dive into the recent match where La Equidad lost 2-1 to Fortaleza. It was quite controversial, particularly due to the decisions made by referee Andrés Rojas. What can you tell us about the impact of refereeing on a game’s outcome?
Dr. López: Refereeing can dramatically influence the course of a match. In close games like La Equidad and Fortaleza, a single decision, especially in the dying moments, can determine not just the outcome, but also the morale of the team, the coaching staff, and fans alike. In this particular match, Alexis García, La Equidad’s coach, highlighted several contentious calls that raised questions about fairness.
Editor: Garcia specifically pointed out that Fortaleza didn’t deserve the win and referenced several key decisions. He mentioned that a handball from Mambo before Palacio’s header was incorrectly ruled. How do you assess the decision-making process of referees in such high-stakes situations?
Dr. López: Referees are human and subject to the pressure of the game. However, they also have a responsibility to be as accurate as possible. In high-stress environments, it’s critical for referees to remain calm and apply the rules fairly. When Garcia states that “the punishment is not punishment,” it points to a sense of injustice felt by the losing team. The referee must be equipped to evaluate such high-tension scenarios; ideally, IR technology could help minimize these errors.
Editor: Garcia voiced his frustrations post-match, suggesting that not all referees are able to handle the demands of leading games at such a competitive level. He even mentioned other referees like Wilmar Roldán as alternatives. How realistic is this expectation for coaches and players?
Dr. López: It’s a complex situation. On one hand, it’s understandable for coaches to want the best-qualified referees for high-stakes matches. On the other hand, the league should strive for consistency in officiating. Referee quality varies, but they are often under-resourced and overburdened. It wouldn’t be feasible to have the same top-tier referees for every match, and that leads to criticisms like Garcia’s.
Editor: Given the landscape of Colombian football and its officiating challenges, what steps do you think the league can take to improve referee performance and enhance overall match integrity?
Dr. López: There are several areas for improvement. Increased training sessions focusing on critical decision-making, clearer communication standards, and introducing technology like VAR—while ensuring it’s used correctly—can all help strive for consistency. Additionally, collecting feedback from players and coaches about officiating can help leagues understand the challenges referees face and improve recruitment and development processes.
Editor: So, would you say that the frustration expressed by coaches like García is beneficial for the sport in the long term, despite being painful in the moment?
Dr. López: Absolutely. While these frustrations can seem negative, they shine a light on the issues needing attention. Open dialogue about officiating standards is vital for growth. It paves the way for enhancements and signals to governing bodies that the integrity of the sport is paramount.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. López, for your insights into this crucial aspect of football. It seems that while matches can be won or lost based on a single call, there is always room for improvement in officiating to benefit the sport as a whole.
Dr. López: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. It’s essential for the future of football in Colombia and beyond.
Editor: That concludes our interview today. Stay tuned for more insights from the world of sports.