Judging expert: "The referee fell for the player of Shakhtar’s trick. Help from the person in the booth, as always, did not arri

Former FIFA referee Sergey Shebek commented on the controversial episode of yesterday’s match of the 13th round of the Ukrainian championship between Donetsk’s Shakhtar and Luhansk’s Zorya (3:1).

Sergey Shebek

With a score of 1:0 in favor of the guests, referee Afanasyev awarded a penalty for Zorya after Donetsk player Bondarenko fell. The hosts equalized from the "spot", after which they scored two more goals, ultimately winning the match 3:1.

"How can one assess Bondarenko's fall? Not at all. In the struggle with Vantukh, the Shakhtar player knocked the ball ahead of himself and accidentally caught his foot on the opponent's leg, after which he fell to the ground.

It should be noted that at the last moment, Vantukh saw that he might catch Bondarenko, he paused, placed his foot on the ground, and the 'miner' skillfully stumbled. Referee Afanasyev fell for such a trick and pointed to the 'spot'. Yes, maybe from his position it was difficult to understand, but there is VAR, which is supposed to correct such mistakes. However, as always, help from the person in the booth did not arrive. It's especially clear when the camera shows from behind the players.

We have an error from both the referee and VAR. If Afanasyev had figured it out himself in such a difficult situation and continued the game, then such a referee would be invaluable,” said Shebek.