Referees Association Rules Against Penalty Call for Hapoel Jerusalem

The Israel Football Association Referees Committee has ruled that a penalty should not have been awarded to Hapoel Jerusalem in their recent match against Hapoel Petah Tikva. The controversy arose in the 79th minute of Saturday's game, which Hapoel Petah Tikva won 1-0. During the play, Hapoel Jerusalem's Israel Dafa fell in the penalty area, prompting calls for a penalty. The VAR officials intervened, suggesting the on-field referee review the incident for a potential foul.

However, after reviewing the play, the referee maintained his original decision not to award a penalty. The Referees Association subsequently stated that the VAR officials' call to review the incident was incorrect. They clarified that no foul occurred that warranted a penalty kick, describing the contact in the box as 'minor' and insufficient to justify a penalty.

The association further commended the on-field referee for his correct decision, noting he was in an excellent position to see the play and acted appropriately by not awarding the penalty and sticking to his initial judgment despite the VAR recommendation.