Bolivian football federation overturns red card in controversial match

The Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) has reviewed a contentious play from a recent match between Guabirá and Blooming, concluding that while a penalty was correctly awarded, the subsequent red card was not justified.

The incident occurred during the 16th round of the "Todos contra Todos" tournament. The play in question resulted in a penalty for Guabirá and the expulsion of Blooming defender Marc Enoumba, decisions that sparked protests from the Cruceña team and its supporters.

According to the FBF's analysis, which was shared on their official YouTube channel, referee Jordy Alemán initially called a penalty in the 65th minute. The referee explained his decision by stating that the player's arm was in an unnatural, unjustifiable position and that the attacker had a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Pedro Cabral converted the penalty, leading to a 1-1 final score.

However, the FBF's review determined that while the handball infraction was valid because the ball's trajectory was interrupted, it did not constitute a "clear goal-scoring opportunity." The federation noted that the ball later reached the attacker, who could have continued the play. Therefore, the elements necessary for a red card were not met.

This ruling highlights the complexities of refereeing decisions and the use of VAR. While the FBF upheld the penalty call, their decision to overturn the red card suggests a nuanced interpretation of the handball rules concerning goal-scoring opportunities.

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The player attempts to play the ball, but his arm is in an unnatural position unjustifiable for the action. The attacker has ample possibility of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, therefore a penalty kick and a red card for spoiling a clear goal-scoring opportunity.