Controversial Penalty Decision in Athens Kallithea vs Olympiacos B Clash
During the 5th round of the Super League 2 season, Athens Kallithea hosted Olympiacos B at the “El Paso” stadium in a match marked by a highly disputed refereeing call. At the 66th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, referee Tomaras made a perplexing decision that significantly influenced the outcome.
Referee’s Misjudgment Alters Match Dynamics
In a critical moment inside the penalty area, Tomaras awarded a penalty to the home side after perceiving a handball by Olympiacos defender Argyriou. However, according to the official rules and the manner in which the player contacted the ball, the hand was clearly used for balance rather than an intentional foul. This type of handball is generally considered a non-offense, meaning play should have continued uninterrupted.
Impact of the Controversial Call
Despite the clear interpretation, the referee pointed to the spot, and with no VAR system in place to review the decision, the penalty stood. Midfielder Matiya converted the spot-kick, pushing Athens Kallithea ahead 2-1. This outcome sparked strong protests from the Olympiacos B squad, who felt the ruling was unjust and altered the competitive balance of the game.
