Referee Commission Admits: Žužić's Goal Should Have Stood
Green-and-yellows seek their first points at Poljud against Hajduk on Sunday, but they're also carrying anger over the VAR room error from the opening round.
Green-and-yellows seek their first points at Poljud against Hajduk on Sunday, but they're also carrying anger over the VAR room error from the opening round.
Istra 1961 and Hajduk will wrap up the second round of the top-flight season at Poljud on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 9 PM. Both clubs started the new season with defeats, making this clash at the Split stadium a chance for their first points. However, while Hajduk seeks redemption for a lackluster performance in Varaždin, the Pula side is simmering with a sense of injustice over refereeing decisions that cost them a better result in the first round.
Istra 1961 lost at home to Lokomotiva, while Hajduk was beaten away at Varaždin. The Croatian Football Federation's Referee Commission has confirmed what Istra 1961 fans and players alike felt on the pitch. Niko Škafara Žužić's stunning goal in the 32nd minute against Lokomotiva, initially allowed by referee Patrik Pavlešić, should have stood. After an intervention from the VAR room and a pitch-side review, Pavlešić disallowed the goal, and the Commission has now ruled that this was an error.
The Commission's explanation adds a controversial twist. While they note that the VAR room reacted correctly given the borderline nature of the situation, the main criticism is directed at Pavlešić. In their view, after reviewing the footage, he should have stuck with his original decision and allowed the goal. The issue, as often highlighted in football circles, is that a call from the VAR room is almost automatically perceived by on-field referees as a signal that they've made a mistake, leading them to change their decision even when there's no solid basis to do so.
This outcome is particularly painful for Istra fans because, in the not-so-distant past, the reverse situation occurred, also to their club's detriment. Back then, the referee refused to heed the VAR room's suggestion and, after reviewing the footage, stuck with his earlier decision, which also sparked a strong reaction.
The match at Poljud now carries extra weight. While Hajduk will look to make amends for their loss to Varaždin and at least temporarily level on points with the leaders, Istra 1961 arrives with the aim of spoiling their plans. Despite the defeat, the Pula side put in a good performance in the first round and believe they were unfairly left empty-handed. The second round of the championship is incomplete, as European commitments have postponed the Rijeka-Dinamo derby at Rujevica.
One thing is certain: the Green-and-yellows will not lack motivation, and the official confirmation that they were wronged in the first round gives them an extra boost.
