Daniel Peretz Saves Goal After Long-Range Shot, Sparks Controversy

Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz nearly conceded a spectacular goal from midfield during a match on Saturday. In the 55th minute, Wrexham's Paul Mullin took a shot from midfield after noticing Peretz was far off his line. The ball struck the crossbar and bounced out, narrowly avoiding the goal.

Despite the close call, the referees awarded a goal kick, not a corner, leading to controversy. English media and commentators, reviewing replays, argued that Peretz had indeed touched the ball, deflecting it onto the crossbar. The Athletic's Richard Sutcliffe stated it was "amazing" the referee awarded a goal kick, as Mullin's shot was heading in until Peretz's backward save.

Wrexham's own media acknowledged Peretz's crucial save, tweeting, "Mullin spotted Peretz off his line and tried to surprise him with a shot from distance but Peretz managed to get back and, with his fingertips, push the ball over the crossbar." They noted that even Southampton acknowledged the save, writing, "What a save by Peretz, he managed to push Mullin's shot away (and yes, we got a goal kick)." Wrexham players were reportedly angered by the referee's decision.