Real Sociedad full-back JonMikel Aramburu expressed his indignation after referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández's decision to award a penalty in the derby against Athletic Club. The player claimed that the technology available, including the ball chip, showed that he had touched the ball, while the referee and VAR did not recognize it. Aramburu described the situation as an “injustice” and criticized the lack of correction by the VAR, which confirmed the penalty despite evidence that the touch was minimal.
The incident occurred at SanMames, where the referee did not review the chip recording showing Aramburu's contact with the ball. The full-back explained that the referee had declared that he had not touched the ball, but that the technology indicated otherwise. “I find it incredible that a penalty was awarded when I clearly touched the ball,” Aramburu said, adding that even referee Nico had pointed out that the touch was minimal and that he had touched the ball. The player concluded that the decision was an injustice and that the VAR failed in its role of reviewing the available evidence.
Regarding the team's performance, Aramburu acknowledged that Real Sociedad had difficulties getting into the game at the beginning of the match, but that they recovered before the decisive action. He commented that goalkeeper Unai Simón “showed why he won the trophy he won” and that the team had several clear chances that did not materialize. Despite the criticism, the player stressed that the team must focus on the next game and not get carried away by the controversy.
The referee, for his part, has promised to review the situation and clarify the decision before the public. The realistic club, for its part, maintains a stance of anger and feels that they were harmed by the controversial action. The full-back added that Real Sociedad will continue working on their performance and that the next match will be the focus of attention.
In summary, the penalty awarded in the derby has generated a strong reaction from JonMikel Aramburu, who believes that the technology showed that the touch was real. The referee and the VAR did not correct the decision, which has led Real Sociedad to express their discontent and focus on the next match to overcome the controversy.