Former FIFA referee Myroslav Stupar assessed the actions of Portuguese referee João Pinheiro in the Nations League match between the national teams of Albania and Ukraine:
Mykhailo Mudryk. Photo: Getty Images«The referee handled his duties well, allowed the game to flow, and didn’t shower the players with yellow cards to control the proceedings. Although nothing scandalous happened in the first half, a penalty could have been awarded against the Albanians when Mykhailo Mudryk fell in their penalty area. There was a rather tough battle between the Ukrainian and the defender, but at the last moment, the Albanian still held the opponent by the hand. However, the VAR referee decided not to draw Pinheiro's attention, thinking that this episode did not warrant serious punishment. As is said in such cases, it’s a moment for the referee’s judgment.
As for the moment near the Ukrainian goal in the 74th minute, the home player Uzuni outpaced Anatoliy Trubin, pushing the ball ahead, and the goalkeeper had no choice but to commit a foul. The penalty was obvious. Fortunately, it did not throw the guests off track, who secured a much-needed victory,” said Stupar.
