Iñaki Williams fuming: 'We feel hard done by' after Son Moix controversy
Athletic Bilbao captain Iñaki Williams didn't hold back after controversial refereeing decisions marred their defeat to Mallorca at Son Moix.
Athletic’s captain pulls no punches after contentious decisions leave Bilbao side feeling robbed at Son Moix
’Perjudicados’ - The feeling in the Athletic camp
Athletic Bilbao’s trip to Mallorca turned into a proper dog’s dinner, with Iñaki Williams making no bones about how he and his teammates felt after the final whistle. The Basque side headed to Son Moix hoping to build momentum but instead left with their tails between their legs - and some serious grievances about the officiating.
Williams, who’s been in blinding form this season, didn’t mince his words when discussing the referee’s performance. The captain was particularly vexed about the penalty that led to Mallorca’s 3-2 goal, where he felt Muriqi interfered with Yuri Berchiche’s jumping ability.
VAR in the spotlight (again)
What really got Williams’ goat was the VAR intervention. He suggested the video officials were overstepping their remit, attempting to influence decisions rather than correct clear and obvious errors.
The Athletic skipper was equally adamant about the first-half penalty awarded against Vivian for handball:
- He argued it was physically “impossible” for Vivian to amputate his arm
- Highlighted it was a deflection from a teammate
- Reminded everyone that rebounded balls off teammates shouldn’t result in penalties according to previous guidance
Cards galore
The referee’s trigger-happy approach with the cards also came under fire, with both Guruzeta and Unai Gómez seeing red. Williams pleaded for more empathy from officials, suggesting that players are human beings under pressure who shouldn’t be booked for every comment.
Missed opportunity
Beyond the refereeing drama, there was genuine disappointment about dropping points in a winnable match. Williams acknowledged they created enough clear chances to take all three points but were thwarted by an excellent goalkeeping performance from Mallorca’s shot-stopper.
For Athletic, it’s back to the drawing board. They’ll need to dust themselves off sharpish with crucial fixtures on the horizon - though this defeat at Son Moix will leave a nasty taste for some time to come.