The Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad match in La Liga has seen an unusual and controversial incident and is sure to make headlines in the coming days.
In the 83rd minute, with Real Madrid leading 2-1, first assistant referee Pau Norbert Cyprian Davies walked into the pitch to deliver the ball to Real Madrid goalkeeper Kepa in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent him from wasting time, at a time when Sociedad was looking for an equaliser.
The newspaper "Marca" points out that the situation is unusual, because for many years the referees have been very careful when touching the ball during matches.
Although it was common decades ago, often to prevent wasting time, it has changed in "modern" football.
Although the regulations do not specify whether assistants can advance into the pitch, the incident at the Bernabéu drew unusual attention, especially as it came from an assistant referee.
For this reason, Real Madrid fans, especially in recent times, have protested the refereeing decisions and objected to details that could otherwise be considered insignificant.
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It is not the first time that assistant referee Norbert Cyprian has stirred controversy. According to information published in Cadena Ser in 2016, he was banned from the next two games after participating in the Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The reason for this punishment was his friendly conversation with the Barcelona players.
Cadena Ser added that the technical committee of referees reflected in its report that Cyprien communicated with a number of Barcelona players in the tunnel of the dressing rooms at the Camp Nou during the Clasico.
Marca explained that the main referee in that match between Barcelona and Real Madrid was Clos Gomez, the current head of VAR technology (VAR) and one of the most critical referees by Los Blancos fans, who consider him among the most damaging referees to Real Madrid.