Expert claims refereeing errors disadvantaged Radnički Niš in defeat to Vojvodina

Source reporting: 20 October 2026. Added to ScoreTransfer on the publication date shown above.

FK Radnički Niš suffered a 0-3 defeat to FK Vojvodina in Surdulica, leaving the team with eight points and in second-to-last place in the table. The match marked the first game under new manager Nikola Drinčić, but the result failed to provide an immediate positive impact for the club.

The visitors faced early difficulties when Frank Kanute was sent off in the 15th minute after receiving two yellow cards for harsh tackles. Referee Nenad Minaković then awarded a penalty in the 45th minute after the ball struck Gboliah Ariyibi’s hand, allowing FK Vojvodina to take the lead just before halftime.

Aleksandar Pejović scored the second goal for the home side, which stood following a VAR review of an incident where Emanuel Quarsi pushed Stefan Veličković. Although the goal was allowed, football officiating expert Zdravko Jokić later stated that the decisions regarding both goals were made to the detriment of FK Radnički Niš.

Jokić criticized the penalty decision, suggesting that Ariyibi did not see the ball and that the contact occurred at a surprise distance without deliberate movement. Regarding the second goal, he argued that the push on Veličković was a foul that prevented the defender from challenging for the ball, describing the officiating as inconsistent with UEFA guidelines on holding and pushing.

The controversy added to a growing list of grievances for FK Radnički Niš, as this marked the fourth time this season a penalty has been awarded against them for handball. While other clubs like Partizan and Novi Pazar have issued statements regarding recent officiating, FK Radnički Niš has not yet released a formal response to this specific match.