VC Minyor (Pernik) issued a strong declaration against the refereeing in the last two matches of the women's team – against Levski and Dragoman in the DEMAX+ league. The club claims that a series of controversial decisions influenced the outcome of the matches and insists on an investigation by the Refereeing Commission of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation.
In the match against Levski, lost 2:3, the Pernik team disputes a situation in the tie-break at 5:6, when a net touch by the opponent's setter was initially called. After consultation between the referees, the decision was changed to a disputed ball. The fifth set ended 14:16.
In the match against Dragoman, the club points out two more instances. At 24:24 in the third set, the referee awarded a point to the hosts after a defensive play by Minyor's libero, and the subsequent protest led to a yellow card. In another situation, a serve by the Pernik team, which according to the club landed 30-40 centimeters inside the court, was initially counted as a point, but the decision was changed after a protest by the hosts. Minyor's coach received a red card.
The Pernik club raises the question of the different approach to the protests of the two teams and notes that the delegate for both matches was the same person.
"We refuse to be silent! We refuse to tolerate mockery of our team!", state Minyor.
The club insists on a review of the submitted video recordings, an official position from the Refereeing Commission, sanctions for established violations, and concrete measures to improve refereeing. Among the proposals is the introduction of a Video Challenge system in the championship.
"We are not looking for excuses for losses and we are not shying away from responsibility for our team's performance. But we will not accept refereeing errors that can change the course of a match to go without consequences", emphasize the club.
Minyor also calls on other clubs to film their matches to ensure greater transparency and the possibility of an objective assessment of controversial situations.