Sepsi announce formal complaint over VAR decisions in Oțelul draw

Sepsi OSK director Attila Hadnagy announced the club will file a formal complaint to the Central Commission of Arbiters (CCA) regarding VAR decisions in the 1-1 draw against Oțelul Galați. Hadnagy stated that while the overall result was fair, the team could have won if the VAR officials had not been asleep during key moments of the match.

The dispute centers on several officiating calls during the Superliga fixture. Dimitri Oberlin scored for Sepsi in the 68th minute, but Oțelul equalized through a penalty converted by Nuno Pedro in the 90+3rd minute. This spot-kick was awarded after a VAR review identified a handball by Cascardo inside the penalty area, a decision that prompted Hadnagy's accusation that VAR official Bogdan Dumitrache had been inactive until that specific moment.

Beyond the late penalty, Hadnagy cited two other incidents as grounds for the formal complaint. He alleged that Oțelul player Miguel Silva should have received a red card in the 14th minute for a clear foul. Additionally, he argued that Sepsi were denied a legitimate penalty in the 49th minute when Christopoulos fouled Silaghi, asserting that the contact constituted a clear infringement that went unpunished.

Sepsi head coach Ovidiu Burcă echoed these concerns, specifically criticizing referee Florin Andrei. Burcă recalled a previous Liga 2 match against FC Voluntari where he believes Andrei awarded an incorrect penalty, stating that seeing the same official triggered memories of that past injustice. Despite acknowledging the availability of video technology and specialists, Burcă expressed frustration that the system did not correct what he viewed as errors.

Hadnagy expressed skepticism about the potential outcome of the complaint, stating he is convinced no radical measures will be taken despite the filing. The result leaves Sepsi in 11th place with 15 points, while Oțelul occupy 13th position with 12 points in the league table.