PSM Makassar Held to a Draw by Persik Kediri: Was VAR Involved in Controversial Referee Decision?
PSM Makassar had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Persik Kediri in their Week 27 Liga 1 2024-25 match, despite having a chance to win. The JukuEja team was denied a penalty after a VAR review, a decision that sparked some frustration.
The match, held at GeloraSoepriadi Stadium in Blitar on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, saw PSM initially take the lead through an own goal by Rohit Chand in the 17th minute. However, Persik Kediri turned the game around with goals from Ze Valente in the 45th minute and Vava Mario Yagalo in the 61st minute. PSM was fortunate to equalize in the final moments, with Abdul Rahman scoring in the 90+5' minute.
While PSM had a potential opportunity to win when a Persik player handled the ball inside the penalty box, referee Chandra decided against awarding a penalty after reviewing the incident through VAR. PSM's assistant coach, Ahmad Amiruddin, expressed his disappointment with the referee's decision, emphasizing that while VAR is meant to assist, the final call rests with the human referee.
Looking at the match statistics, Persik had the upper hand in ball possession, controlling 56% compared to PSM's 44%. In terms of offensive pressure, Persik also dominated, taking 15 shots with 8 on target, while PSM managed 14 shots, only 3 of which were on target. Persik also led in passing accuracy, completing 426 passes with 82% accuracy, while PSM managed 367 passes with 75% accuracy.
However, PSM outperformed Persik in defensive metrics, recording 20 tackles, 8 clearances, and 20 interceptions, compared to Persik's 14 tackles, 15 clearances, and 25 interceptions.
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