Villarreal club president Fernando Roig has hit out at referee Danny Makkelie for not awarding an early penalty in their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
The Yellow Submarine’s European journey came to an end on a dramatic night at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Unai Emery’s side pushed for a first ever Champions League final spot.
Despite trailing 2-0 from the first leg at Anfield last month, Emery’s charges were motivated by the challenge of turning the tie around on home soil.
However, Roig was left incensed by Makkelie’s refusal to check VAR, or award a penalty after Reds keeper Alisson collided with Giovani Lo Celso before the break.
“It was scandalous. He (Alisson) takes Lo Celso out, it’s a key move by the referee, who has been sneaky because from minute one he has always opted in their favour” as per reports from Mundo Deportivo.
“I don’t want it as an excuse, because Liverpool are a great team, and we could have lost the first leg by more than 2-0.
“But today, the referee is not at the right level for this type of match. His performance has had an impact on the result.”
Villarreal return to the day job of La Liga action this weekend with a home game against Emery’s former side Sevilla with four matches left this season.
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Many a trmes referees are not balance on their judgements despite VAR in place. They sometimes delibrately refused to attend to VAR when there is suspicion. To hell with bad judgement.