Former Liverpool striker knocks down VAR machine

Spain's Iago Aspas was furious after the referee overturned his penalty decision, as Celta Vigo drew 1-1 with Sevilla in round 12 of La Liga on November 4.

In the 90+7 minute, the referee judged that Sevilla's Jesus Navas had fouled Celta Vigo's Anastasios Douvikas in the penalty area. He awarded a penalty to the home team and a yellow card to Navas. However, after consulting VAR, the referee reversed both decisions, leading to outrage from the home team's players and fans.

Aspas used his hand to knock over the VAR machine, which was placed near the technical area. He had started the match and left the field in the 69th minute. It is currently unclear whether the Spanish Football Federation will discipline the Celta Vigo captain.

Former Liverpool player knocks down VAR machine

"Yesterday I made a mistake," Aspas wrote on social network X. "I shouldn't have expressed my frustration that way. That's not the example I want to set for the younger Celta Vigo fans."

Aspas also believes that, in the first 12 rounds of La Liga this season, the balance has always been tilted towards the opposite side. He asserts that if this is not resolved, La Liga will not be able to become the best championship in the world.

Celta Vigo coach Rafa Benitez agreed: "I'm not saying there was a black hand or not, but once again, we were surprised by the referee. I watched the replay and suddenly realised what the whole of Spain saw."

In this match, Celta Vigo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute thanks to Carl Starfelt, before Youssef En-Nesyri equalized for Sevilla in the 84th minute. Not long after the controversial situation, the match ended with a score of 1-1.

Aspas (in blue) collided with Sevilla's defense during the Celta Vigo - Sevilla match in round 12 of La Liga on November 4, at Balaidos Stadium. Photo: EFE — Aspas (in blue) collided with Sevilla's defense during the Celta Vigo - Sevilla match in round 12 of La Liga on November 4, at Balaidos Stadium. Photo: *EFE*

Celta Vigo are currently 18th, with seven points after 12 rounds. Meanwhile, Sevilla are 15th with 11 points.

Aspas played for Celta Vigo from 2008 to 2013 and from 2015 to present. In the 2013-2014 season, he moved to Liverpool and then to Sevilla on loan for the 2014-2015 season. He won his only club title, the 2014-2015 Europa League with Sevilla.

Aspas has 218 goals in 593 club games, including 196 in 469 for Celta Vigo. For Spain, the 36-year-old striker scored six goals in 20 games and played at the 2018 World Cup.

Thanh Quy (according to X )

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