Olimpia Coach Slams Refereeing and VAR After Loss

Following Olimpia's narrow defeat against Sportivo 2 de Mayo in Pedro Juan Caballero, coach Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez voiced strong criticism regarding the refereeing, the use of VAR, and the implementation of new regulations. Sánchez argued that the game is being distorted by dangerous tackles that go unpunished, creating a hazardous environment on the field.

Sánchez specifically addressed the new rules designed to maximize effective playing time, acknowledging their intent but questioning their practical application. He highlighted concerns about how quickly players must restart play, the time allocated to goalkeepers, and the handling of players stepping out of bounds. "The frustration has more to do with this new regulation, because the idea clearly, and I don't see it as bad, is that more minutes are played," he stated, expressing a desire to discuss these points further with referee Eber Aquino.

The coach detailed specific instances where he felt his team was disadvantaged, citing missed calls on fouls and what he perceived as dangerous play. "Now, the foul, I can't understand it; I can't understand it, first and foremost, because everything is being distorted, we are not playing football, they are kicking dangerous kicks," Sánchez explained. He pointed to a specific tackle on player Pedro Zarza as a red-card offense, emphasizing that the severity of the kick, not intent, should warrant a dismissal.

Sánchez also questioned the VAR's role, suggesting it is not consistently applied to rectify clear errors. He mentioned a late elbow to Hugo Sandoval that was visible on replays but seemingly overlooked. "There are things that clearly do not favor us, and I would like them to explain them to me," he concluded, emphasizing that the team is willing to present video evidence to seek clarification on the officiating decisions.