L'Escala suffers controversial 3-1 defeat against Europa B due to dubious penalties and expulsions

The Alt Empordà side saw their leadership aspirations halted in the Tercera RFEF after a match marked by controversial refereeing decisions.

Generic image of a tense moment in a Tercera RFEF football match with the referee showing a card.
IA

Generic image of a tense moment in a Tercera RFEF football match with the referee showing a card.

L'Escala lost 3-1 against Europa B on Sunday at Nou Sardenya, seeing their chances of rejoining the leadership race cut short due to two controversial penalties and two expulsions.

The 3-1 defeat of L'Escala against Europa B in the Tercera RFEF stopped the aspirations of the team from fighting for the top spot in the league table. The match started favorably for the Girona side at the beginning of the second half when Guillem Cardelús, of Europa B, scored an own goal.
The lead was short-lived, as Europa B equalized from a penalty kick in the 53rd minute, converted by Marc Anglès. The most controversial play occurred around the 60th minute, when the referee signaled a second penalty in an action involving goalkeeper Jona and Marc Anglès, despite the goalkeeper clearly touching the ball first.
This second penalty, converted by Aiman, overturned the score. Tension escalated when Aiman celebrated in front of Jona, resulting in a double yellow card that left the match ten against ten. Subsequently, Èric Compte scored the definitive 3-1 goal in the 84th minute.
The situation worsened with the expulsion of Sanku, leaving L'Escala with only nine players. These absences are particularly significant ahead of the next league match, which will be played next Sunday at Nou Miramar against Manresa, currently third in the league.
The team managed by David Gurillo will have to seek victory without their starting goalkeeper, Jona, although they will be able to count on recent signings: center-back Ricard Pulido and wing-back Iker Nova, who already debuted in the blue and garnet jersey.