Olimpia coach disputes referee analysis, calls decisions 'erroneous'

Olimpia coach Pablo 'Vitamina' Sánchez has publicly stated his disagreement with the Paraguayan Football Association's (APF) refereeing committee's analysis of controversial decisions during their recent 1-0 loss to 2 de Mayo. The club had heavily criticized the officiating by David Ojeda and VAR official José Armoa in that match.

Sánchez, an Argentine coach, expressed his dissent during a press conference ahead of Olimpia's Copa Sudamericana match against Vasco da Gama. He stated, "I don't agree, for me the decisions were erroneous." The club had highlighted six specific plays, including a foul on Pedro Zarza that they felt warranted a red card, and a handball incident that led to the opposing team's goal, which they also contested. They also pointed to an elbow to Hugo Sandoval within the penalty area that they believed should have resulted in a penalty.

The APF's refereeing analysis, however, deemed all these decisions to be correct. Sánchez specifically addressed the incident involving Sandoval, noting that he initially had doubts but later saw the elbow clearly on tactical camera footage, deeming it a "very clear elbow" inside the box. He also reiterated his belief that the foul on Zarza in midfield, which resulted in a yellow card, should have been a red card due to the "rough play."

Despite his strong objections, Sánchez acknowledged that the matter is in the past and that the refereeing department will likely try to present their decisions favorably. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of consistently calling fouls, even those that might be overlooked. Olimpia is now focused on their upcoming continental match.