By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The people of Andorra had many complaints for the officiating of the Copa Del Rey quarterfinal against Real Madrid with two plays being in the center of attention.
Obviously the most crucial one was an uncalled backcourt violation by Sergio Llull. With his team down by 3, 83 – 86 and 13 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, Llull passed the center of the floor and then stepped on the half-court line with the referees keeping their whistles silent. He then passed the ball to Anthony Randolph who forced the overtime with a downtown basket.
The second play was a travelling violation on Giorgi Shermadini, also late in the game. The Georgian center made a hook-shot that would’ve made it 80 – 86 for Andorra, 44 seconds before the fourth quarter buzzer but he was wrongfully (as the replay showed) called with travel.
In his post-game comments, Andorra head coach Joan Penarroya said, “we lost narrowly and unfairly.” But it is his reaction immediately after heading to the locker rooms that speak louder than simple words.
Andorra GM Francesc Solana said the following: “We have done everything to win. When we were up by four, there were some cases that the referees failed to see. The travelling call on Shermadini and the backcourt violation when Llull stepped on the line. It’s incredible that the referees can’t see these things. In the end, the winner is the one who makes the most points. When there is a situation where the referees don’t see one thing yet see the steps of Shermadini it feels like they are taking something from you.”