FC Goa 5-1 NorthEast United: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | ISL 2018-19

#3 Poor officiating affects football, once again

A season full of mistakes for the officials

Not for the first time this season, the referee got a decision completely wrong. To say the very least, unbelievably wrong.

The second half began the same way first half unfolded - scrappy and at times, lacklustre. While Goa's problems in front of goal continued, NorthEast were left starving for possession.

The talking point, rather, talking points, were not constructed by the players but the match officials. A corner taken by the visitors was handled by Carlos Pena. What was the centre-half thinking when he leapt that high with his arms in the air? That was a blatant penalty.

Had that been given, the storyline might have been different for the Highlanders.

Minutes later, Goa took the lead and never looked back from there. Jackichand Singh was played through the right flank and he, characteristically, put the ball into the box. The goal was well-taken, but Jacki was arguably offside.

Yet again, Goa had the slice of luck. One would feel for the NorthEast, but we must understand that this brand of refereeing is swerving and affecting the outcomes of many matches and is ultimately hurting football. This cannot happen every single day in the ISL.