Referee admits error in penalty decision that could impact Swedish title race

Referee Glenn Nyberg admitted to making an incorrect decision by awarding a penalty during the match between Hammarby and Sirius. This admission came after the game concluded, raising questions about the officiating in a critical fixture for the league standings.

The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the match. Nyberg pointed to the spot, allowing Hammarby to take a penalty kick. The decision proved pivotal in a contest where every point carries significant weight for both clubs.

Hammarby defeated Sirius with a score of 2-0 in this Swedish top-flight league match. The game took place on Thursday, serving as a direct confrontation between the two teams currently battling for the championship.

Henrik Castegren stated that Nyberg later changed his opinion regarding the call. According to Castegren, the referee acknowledged that the penalty should not have been awarded. This retrospective admission highlights the controversy surrounding the key moment of the match.

The result has tightened the race for the league title. Sirius currently leads the table with a three-point advantage over Hammarby. With only four rounds remaining in the season, the margin for error has become extremely small for both sides.

Sirius had previously held a much larger lead in the standings. At one point during the season, the team enjoyed an 11-point advantage at the top of the table. The recent loss to their closest rival has reduced that buffer significantly as the season enters its final phase.

Vancsa Zalán is part of the Sirius squad involved in this title chase. He has played seven matches for the club so far this season. The outcome of these final four games will determine whether Sirius can hold off Hammarby to secure the championship.

Henrik Castegren, who provided information on the referee's admission, has prior experience in Hungarian football. He played 12 matches for DVSC in 2025 before joining the current league campaign.