VAR Controversy Leaves Castellón Boss Pablo Hernández Fuming in Cádiz Defeat
Castellón's winning streak ended in VAR drama as Pablo Hernández blasts officials after controversial disallowed goal in their away loss to Cádiz.
VAR Controversy Leaves Castellón Boss Pablo Hernández Fuming in Cádiz Defeat
Castellón’s impressive seven-match unbeaten run came crashing down amid VAR controversy, with manager Pablo Hernández taking to Instagram to express his fury despite missing the match due to kidney stones.
The Contentious Decision
The drama unfolded at the Nuevo Mirandilla when Lucas Alcázar thought he’d put Castellón ahead, only for VAR official Rubén Ávalos Barrera to intervene. After initially awarding the goal, the referee was directed to review footage for a supposed handball by Ousmane Camara in the build-up.
The goal was subsequently chalked off, and to rub salt in the wound, Cádiz went on to score themselves just 13 minutes later, ultimately securing the three points.
Hernández’s Explosive Response
Unable to attend the match due to health issues, Castellón’s gaffer didn’t hold back in his social media response:
“With the bread and hopes of a club, you don’t play games,” Hernández fumed on Instagram, clearly suggesting the decision was premeditated.
This isn’t the first time Castellón have felt hard done by Ávalos Barrera this season. The same official previously caused controversy by awarding a highly disputed penalty against them in their match with Málaga – a decision later acknowledged as incorrect by the Technical Committee of Referees themselves.
Assistant’s Bewilderment
Standing in for Hernández, assistant coach Sergi Ripollés was equally baffled by the decision:
“I don’t understand it. First, it hits his head, and his hand is against his chest, and he doesn’t even score the goal. I don’t know what he’s supposed to do with his hand,” Ripollés lamented post-match.
Curious Coincidence
Interestingly, this defeat – Castellón’s first in seven matches – coincided with Hernández’s absence from the touchline. The manager had been on an absolute blinder recently, guiding his team to five consecutive victories before this setback.
While Ripollés took charge on the day, he maintained constant contact with Hernández throughout preparations and during the match itself.
For Castellón fans, it’s a case of the referee having a right bubble bath, but they’ll be hoping their team can bounce back quickly and that Hernández returns to the dugout for their next fixture.