Beitar Jerusalem Assistant Coach Blasts VAR After Late Penalty

Beitar Jerusalem's assistant coach, Aviram Baruchyan, expressed strong disappointment following a controversial penalty awarded to their opponent, Ironi Kiryat Shmona (Kiryat Shmona), in the 98th minute of their league match. The penalty resulted in a 1-1 draw, costing Beitar Jerusalem valuable points. Baruchyan stated that he and his team were certain the penalty should not have been given and that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) should have intervened. "We were sure that the VAR would intervene and it didn't happen. It's very disappointing," Baruchyan said, adding that the decision in such a late stage of a heated game was unacceptable.

Despite the frustration over the penalty, Baruchyan acknowledged that the team could have secured the win earlier in the game. He noted that they created many half-chances and need to be more clinical in front of goal, showing more hunger to finish games off when they are on top. He also mentioned that Almog Cohen received a red card and Moshe Ohayon would be unavailable, but expressed hope that his absence wouldn't be felt.

Player Adi Yona echoed Baruchyan's sentiments, calling the draw "very frustrating" and stating that the entire team believed there was no foul. He emphasized that while they work hard, such decisions can be overturned in seconds. Yona also agreed that the team should have sealed the victory earlier.

On the other side, Kiryat Shmona's coach, who was not named but referred to as "Shi Barda" in the original text, expressed satisfaction with the single point earned. He acknowledged that it was not an easy period for his team, which is new and playing with some insecurity, but was happy for the players. He countered the criticism of the penalty by questioning calls that were not made in favor of Kiryat Shmona earlier in the season, suggesting he was willing to "offset all the refereeing mistakes from the beginning of the year."

Ariel Scheretzky also commented on the draw, calling it "good" but admitting they wanted to win. He deferred judgment on the penalty to the referees and VAR, stating it's their job, not the team's. He believes the team is playing well and the points will eventually balance out.

Kiryat Shmona's coach, Shi Barda, further elaborated that his team played with a lack of attacking ideas and that he, as a coach, needs to make adjustments, which takes time. He mentioned that Kiryat Shmona has sold key players over the past three years and that while things might not look good currently, adjustments will be made with the current squad.