Fuming Zidane refuses to discuss refereeing in Sevilla draw

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane refused to discuss refereeing as a controversial VAR decision went against his side in a 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Sunday.

During a review of a 78th-minute penalty won by Karim Benzema, referees determined an earlier play at the other end involved a handball in the box by Real Madrid defender Eder Militao.  Rather than giving Real Madrid a spot kick, Sevilla were awarded one.

Ivan Rakitic made no mistakes from 12 yards to take a one-goal advantage before Eden Hazard equalised at the death as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
“What they have told me has not convinced me,” Zidane told Movistar. “I’m very angry. I spoke to the referee to look for an explanation. It’s really complicated because we deserved much more but it is what it is.”
He added later in his press conference: “I don’t understand anything from the referee. If there is a Militao handball, it is Sevilla handball as well.
“I am not convinced by what he told me. I never speak about referees, but today I am angry.
“Don’t ask me any more about this, I’ve already said what I think. They have to explain the handball rules to me and that’s it. We’re going to fight until the end. Until the death.”

Asked if he trusted VAR, Zidane added: “I trust football. What I’m saying is that I saw two handballs and they only called ours.”

Real Madrid could have passed first-place Atletico Madrid with a victory but are instead stuck two points behind their rivals. They are level on points with Barcelona, holding the tiebreaker with the Blaugrana for second place, and sit four points ahead of Sevilla.
There are three more matches for each of the top four sides, with Real Madrid still to play Granada, Athletic Club and Villarreal.

Story by Sammy Wejinya

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