Referees' Association Rules Foul on Lunwayik Was Red Card Offense

Israel's Referees' Association has ruled that Maccabi Haifa defender Nigel Lunwayik should have received a red card for a dangerous foul on Hapoel Petah Tikva player Frantzdy Pierrot during their recent league match. The foul, which occurred in the 60th minute, resulted in Pierrot tearing his ACL. The association stated that Lunwayik's high leg and risk to the opponent warranted a direct red card, but the VAR official followed protocol by not intervening due to a lack of clear contact point evidence.

The association also reviewed a handball incident in the 85th minute that led to a Maccabi Haifa goal. They determined the referee's decision to allow the goal was correct, as the ball touched the player's arm in a natural position close to his body and not in an unnatural position that would constitute a handball offense. The association clarified that a goal should be disallowed if the ball touches a player's hand, even accidentally, unless that player immediately scores.

Frantzdy Pierrot, the injured Hapoel Petah Tikva striker, reacted to the ruling on Instagram, questioning the lack of a red card and VAR intervention. Maccabi Haifa won the match 2-1.