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, which resulted in Pierrot tearing his ACL. The incident occurred during a league match last Saturday where Maccabi Haifa won 2-1.

The association's disciplinary committee reviewed two key moments from the game. Regarding Lunwayik's foul in the 60th minute, the committee stated that a red card was warranted due to a serious foul involving a high leg and endangering the opponent. However, they noted that the VAR official followed protocol because they did not find clear evidence of contact point for the injury.

The committee also addressed 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, explaining that while the ball touched the player's hand, it was in a natural position close to his body and not a handball offense. They clarified that a goal should only be disallowed if the player who touched the ball with their hand immediately scores it.

Pierrot, the injured player, reacted to the ruling on Instagram, questioning the lack of a red card and the absence of VAR intervention, sarcastically stating, "No yellow? No red? No VAR? Yes, obviously I can do it myself."