Matarazzo explodes over Aramburu penalty: "I don't understand why VAR didn't intervene"

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo furious over controversial penalty awarded to Athletic Club, claiming Aramburu touched the ball before contact with Williams and VAR failed to intervene.

Pellegrino Matarazzo expressed strong frustration after Real Sociedad's 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club in the Basque derby at San Mamés, focusing his post-match comments on a controversial penalty decision that proved decisive.

Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández awarded a penalty against Jon Mikel Aramburu for contact with Nico Williams, but Matarazzo insisted the Real Sociedad defender clearly touched the ball first. "The fact that the match was decided on a penalty where Aramburu clearly touches the ball is very disappointing, especially because we have technology that shows Jon touched the ball," Matarazzo said. "For me it's clearly not a penalty and I don't understand why VAR didn't intervene, because that's the decisive goal in this match."

The manager was particularly critical of the speed and lack of thorough review in the VAR room. "I feel they didn't even check it properly. They had it clear in five seconds that it was a penalty. We clearly see from the bench that the ball changes direction. That's what bothers me most—such a decisive decision wasn't reviewed twice," he stated. Matarazzo confirmed he did not speak with the referee after the final whistle.

On the tactical side, Matarazzo acknowledged Real Sociedad's poor start, conceding too many chances in the opening minutes before improving after equalizing to 1-1.