Referee Fedotov: Controversy Would Have Erupted if Spartak Scored Penalty

Former referee of the Russian Premier League, Igor Fedotov, shared his thoughts on the correctness of the penalty awarded to Makhachkala’s «Dynamo» during the 83rd minute of the match in the 24th round of the RPL against Moscow’s «Spartak.» The red-and-white winger, Jesus Medina, failed to convert the penalty, resulting in Spartak’s loss (1:2). The match was officiated by referee Vitaly Meshkov.

«Talking about the penalty awarded to Dynamo in the 83rd minute, I personally don’t think it was a penalty. The Dynamo player was making a forward movement with his hand, but when the ball came his way, he tried to pull it back. When a player is trying to avoid contact, the game should continue. Meshkov was in a good position but did not move to improve it. I see this as a mistake primarily by Bulanov at VAR, and secondarily by Meshkov. If Spartak had scored, it would have caused a scandal. Gazizov wouldn’t be discussing Spartak’s potential championship but rather whether they are being favored or not,» Fedotov mentioned in a conversation with «Championship» correspondent Mikhail Rozhdestvensky.

After 24 rounds in the Russian Premier League, Moscow’s «Spartak» is in third place with 47 points, just three points behind «Zenit» and five points behind «Krasnodar.» Makhachkala’s «Dynamo» is currently in 10th position with 27 points.