The arbitral controversies that have in the eye of the hurricane the match between Cali and Nacional

What seemed like a feast for Deportivo Cali ended up becoming a valuable draw by Atlético Nacional. For the 12th date of the 2022-I BetPlay League, 'Sugar' and 'Purdolagas' met at the Palmaseca stadium with very different objectives: the first one looking to get out of the last squares, and the second, with the intention of gaining a foothold at the top of the table.

The match took an unexpected turn, as Cali started winning by three goals apart, which were scored in the first half. Teofilo Gutiérrez, from prison (12′), Guillermo Burdisso (16′) and Yony González (35′) were responsible for putting the Caleño squad up. However, the reaction of 'Verde Paisa' came in the last minutes and, through Giovanni Moreno (73′) and two penalties converted by Dorlan Pabón (77′ and 90′), equalized the score.

The decisions taken by the central referee, Jhon Hinestroza, as well as the VAR, were left in the eye of the hurricane, particularly because of the four penalties that were sanctioned. In each of the cases, the fans, and some arbitration specialists, expressed their doubts about the plays.

The first penalty of the night was the one that allowed Cali to open the scoring. The judge sanctioned after Danovis Banguero hit Kevin Velasco from behind, in an attempt to intercept the ball. According to the account 'El VAR Central', which is dedicated to analyzing arbitral controversies, the decision of the arbitrator Hinestroza was right. 'There is a trip on the opposite and it ends up destabilizing, 'he says.

The second play came about the 76′ minute. The 'Verdolaga' steering wheel, Sebastián Gómez, hit the ball and it hit the arm of Yimmi Congo, who tried to sweep to block the shot. There is controversy here, since analysts consider that the Cali player had his limb resting on the floor, so, being considered a “natural” position, it did not deserve to beep maximum penalty.

The third relevant moment could mean 4-2 for Deportivo Cali: Hinestroza blew a penalty after the ball hit Nelson Palacio's arm. In this case, many consider that the midfielder had his back to the play, which is why he does not notice when the ball hits him in that area of the body. In addition, the “contact zones” for a hand to be punishable also came into discussion.

On the fourth and final play there are divided opinions. Daniel Mantilla had a heads-up with goalkeeper Humberto Acevedo and, before both players met, the Nacional steering wheel touched the ball in an attempt to pass it to Giovanni Moreno.

In the end, a contact occurred between the two players, but, while some believe that this touch did not have enough strength to knock Mantilla down, others argue that, with or without intention, Acevedo crashes his knee against the leg of the midfielder 'Purdolaga'.

Caracol Radio's arbitration analyst, José Borda, also gave his opinion on each of the plays: “WERE 4 PENALTIES? In Cali vs Nacional Hinestroza he scored 4 penalties; 2 were for me, Banguero's hand that touches Velasco's leg and Acevedo's knee to Mantilla; the 2 who didn't, Congo's hand was on the floor, and Palacios's hand hit him on the shoulder.

After the meeting, Deportivo Cali coach Rafael Dudamel, who has previously expressed his disagreement with the arbitration in Colombia, did not rule on penalties. And, on the contrary, he showed his discomfort at the draw: “We had a very correct first 45 minutes and until the 73rd minute we had the match under control. They were random plays that allowed equality to the visitor. I'm very sorry about the tie. [...] When you play against those high-quality rivals, you know that even the slightest mistake they charge you.”

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