In the match from the 11th round in the First Macedonian Football League, between the teams of Vardar and Sileks, two referee decisions were analyzed, which are by nature difficult to assess and are challenging situations.
In the 85th minute, the away goalkeeper intervenes outside the penalty area, but unsuccessfully, without possession and control of the ball, unsportsmanlike and deliberately blatantly holds the opposing attacker with both hands. Without a doubt, an obvious foul, at which point the away team's goal is empty (undefended), and the goalkeeper has no opportunity to intervene. The main referee has full control and anticipates the situation well, after which he shows a direct red card to the away goalkeeper, correctly.
In the second situation, 90+6 minutes, the main referee has a blocked field of vision due to the positioning of the players and naturally cannot see a handball by the visiting defender during a high cross into the penalty area. The VAR judges intervene correctly and after reviewing the footage on the field by the main referee, a penalty is awarded to the home team due to the handball which at the moment of contact is in an unnatural position, separated from the body at shoulder height, the defender is taking a risk with such an unnatural movement of the hand. A penalty without a disciplinary measure is a correct refereeing decision.
The refereeing committee confirms the correctness of the two key decisions in the match.
The VAR system has once again been confirmed as a key support for referees in making accurate and fair decisions in the most important moments of matches.
