Ref Madden’s decisions drive Russian club Loko
BOBBY MADDEN has been slated by Lokomotiv Moscow chiefs after his controversial debut in the Champions League group stage.
The referee endured an eventful Wednesday night in the Russian capital as Porto won 3-1.
Madden awarded penalties to both sides – with the visitors converting their spot-kick through Moussa Marega after Manuel Fernandes had been denied by Iker Casillas – and dismissed the hosts’ Solomon Kverkvelia.
Scots assistant Alan Mulvanny also disallowed a Lokomotiv goal from striker Eder for offside.
The home side were particularly irked by the decision to point to the spot in Porto’s favour after some grappling in the box while replays showed Eder’s effort should have stood. Lokomotiv chairman Anatoly Meshcheryakov said: “There is nothing you can do when the referee makes the decision – he is the final judge. This is why we will implement VAR in the Champions League.”
But boss Yuri Semin made his feelings clear – despite going to great lengths to avoid punishment from UEFA. Semin said: “I can comment on refereeing in the Russian league, however it is not something you can talk about in Europe. Reprisals are too severe if you speak out of turn.
“Everybody saw ‘the penalty’ and Eder’s disallowed goal and can make obvious judgments.
“I can only congratulate Porto on the victory and in my view they are the best team in the group.”