Sevilla and Betis fans vent anger at refereeing as favoritism claims grow

Supporters of Sevilla and Real Betis have voiced anger over weekend refereeing decisions, with claims of favoritism toward Madrid and Barcelona, according to Estadio Deportivo.

Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, à Seville

Photo: Валерий Дед — CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (new window)

The weekend's refereeing controversies have sparked outrage among supporters of Sevilla and Real Betis. Estadio Deportivo took to the streets to gather opinions on the most disputed calls and the alleged preferential treatment given to Madrid and Barcelona.

Sevilla's anger stems from Sunday's match at the Bernabéu, where Arda Güler was not sent off for a possible elbow on an opponent, despite a VAR review. The club has publicly questioned why the VAR did not intervene, with one message suggesting the officials might have been reluctant because Sevilla could have moved within nine points of Barcelona before El Clásico.

José Mourinho, quoted by El Español, said he does not understand "the obsession" with an incident that was not clearly seen. The refereeing committee has explained its decision, but Sevilla responded with sarcasm, saying they look forward to the "Review Time" program.

Sources

  1. Estadio DeportivoLa afición de Sevilla y Betis estallan contra los arbitrajes: "Me sientí atracado" (new window)estadiodeportivo.com
  2. Estadio DeportivoEl Comité de Árbitros explica por qué el VAR no intervino en la expulsión de Güler, jugador del Real Madrid, y el Sevilla responde de inmediato: "Ganas de ver tIempo de revisión" (new window)estadiodeportivo.com
  3. ElDesmarqueEl Sevilla expone su indignación y espera con palomitas el 'Tiempo de Revisión': "Muchas ganas" (new window)eldesmarque.com
  4. El EspañolMourinho desmonta la indignación del Sevilla: "No entiendo la obsesión por algo que no se ha visto" (new window)elespanol.com