The game between Sporting Gijón and Racing Santander, in the ninth round of the Spanish second division, ended in controversy this Sunday. Referee Manuel Orellana blew the final whistle at the exact moment Mario García scored a goal in the 90+10 minute, frustrating the visiting team’s expectations.
With more than eight minutes of added time already played, Racing Santander had sent their goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta into the Sporting Gijón penalty area in an attempt to equalize the match. In a relieved ball, Mario García appeared and shot from outside the area, scoring a goal that, however, was not validated, as the referee considered the game over at the time of the shot.
The decision generated a strong reaction from Racing Santander players, who protested vehemently. Marco Sangalli ended up being sent off with a straight red card, for having been one of the most active in the protests along with Manuel Orellana. On Sporting Gijón’s side, the 2-1 victory was celebrated, but the controversy over the uncounted goal marked the match and divided opinions among fans and commentators.
WHAT A GOAL BY SANGALLI… but the referee had already blown the whistle and the Spaniard still got red for protests 😬
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal)
