Referee explains why he did not award a penalty against player
According to Championat.
Why this matters
Referee Nikita Novikov's decision on Ozdoev's handball had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, which ended in Dynamo Moscow's 1-0 victory. This type of controversy can influence team morale and player confidence, especially in important competitions like the Russian Cup. Furthermore, refereeing decisions like this are frequently discussed and can affect the referees' reputation and the public's perception of the fairness of the game.
Main conclusions
- Referee explains why he did not award a penalty against.
- Nikita Novikov detailed the decision not to award a penalty for Ozdoev's hand in Dynamo–Krasnodar (1-0), citing an arm in a natural position, a strong shot and a lack of reaction time.
- Стало известно, почему судья не поставил пенальти «Краснодару» by Кубке за руку Оздоева - Чемпионат.
Referee Nikita Novikov's decision was clarified in the move that sparked controversy in Dynamo Moscow–Krasnodar (1-0), counting for the Russian Cup (sponsored by Fonbet). The field judge chose not to award a penalty when the ball hit the hand of Magomed Ozdoev, Krasnodar midfielder, inside the area. The explanation came through a dialogue captured during the game and released in the most recent episode of the program “Khoroshiy Gol: Futbol”, broadcast on the Russian platform Kinopoisk.
In the audio made public, Dynamo forward Ivan Sergeev directly questions Novikov about why the penalty was not awarded after the ball hit Ozdoev's hand. The referee justified his reading of the move with three main elements: the position of the arm, the short distance and the speed of the shot. According to Novikov, Ozdoev's arm was “low”, in a position considered natural, and the shot was so strong and from such a short distance that the player had no chance to withdraw his arm or avoid contact. He also added that there was no additional movement of the upper limb towards the ball, a criterion that, according to the refereeing guidelines, is usually decisive for punishing a hand infraction.
Sergeev insisted, stressing that the shot was heading towards the goal. Novikov countered that the presence of the goalkeeper is a contextual factor, explaining that the idea of “if the ball goes into the goal” does not, in itself, make the hand automatically punishable. The referee's reference points to the overall assessment of the shot: when the arm is close to the body and does not increase the volume in an unnatural way, and when there is no reaction time due to the short distance and strength of the shot, the tendency is to consider the touch accidental and, therefore, not sanctionable.
The decision remained on the field and proved decisive for the outcome of the match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Dinamo. The moment, now clarified using the audio of the dialogue between player and referee, helps to shed light on the practical application of the laws of the game in handball throws — one of the most debated topics in contemporary football. Remember that, according to IFAB guidelines, the hand is, as a rule, not sanctioned when the arm is in a natural position and does not extend the body in an unnatural way, especially in situations of short-range shots in which the defender does not have time to avoid contact.
The case has a special resonance in a game to be eliminated from the Russian Cup, where every detail weighs on the result. For Dynamo, who managed to hold on to the minimum advantage, Novikov's decision represented confirmation of their technical reading of the play; for Krasnodar, the now public explanation helps to understand the failure to take a penalty that could have changed the history of the match.
What happens next
With this victory, Dynamo Moscow advances in the Russian Cup, which could improve its prospects for the rest of the season. Krasnodar, on the other hand, will have to reflect on their performance and how to avoid mistakes that could cost points in future games. The next stage of the Russian Cup will be crucial for both teams, who are looking for a solid performance to secure a place in European competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Dynamo and Krasnodar in the Russian Cup?
The result of the game was Dynamo 1 - 0 Krasnodar.
How did the referee's decision impact the classification in the Russian Cup?
The referee's decision not to award a penalty did not have a direct impact on the classification, but the result of the game contributes to Dynamo's position in the Russian Cup.
When is Dynamo's next game in the Russian Cup?
Dynamo's next game in the Russian Cup has not yet been specified in the article.
Who was the referee who made the controversial decision in the game?
The referee who made the decision
Not controversial was Nikita Novikov.
What was the reason given by the referee for not awarding the penalty?
The referee justified his decision with the natural position of Ozdoev's arm, the short distance of the shot and the speed of the shot.