Former Argentine referee Javier Castrilli has leveled harsh criticism at the standard of officiating in Chilean football, describing recent decisions in the First Division as "mediocre."
Castrilli, who headed the ANFP Referee Committee until 2022, focused his attack on the lack of rigor shown by referee Cristián Galaz during the clash between Ñublense and Universidad de Chile.
During the match, fullback Jovanny Campusano executed a heavy, two-footed challenge on Javier Altamirano, leaving the Universidad de Chile midfielder with an evident twist to his right foot. Despite the severity of the tackle, Galaz failed to issue a red card and did not even utilize VAR to review the play.
“It is just as mediocre to claim there was ‘no intent’ as it is to suggest that, in the absence of intent, ‘playing the ball first’ justifies such serious consequences. Mediocre,” Castrilli wrote on his X account.
Frustration among the players
Universidad de Chile player Javier Altamirano also expressed his frustration following the incident in Chillán. The midfielder noted that the foul was clear and questioned the lack of video review.
“There was no VAR review for this tackle. You're left wondering why they don't use it when the foul was so obvious,” Altamirano told local media.
The player added that the referee's decision even resulted in a yellow card for him, on the grounds that he had attempted to strike his opponent. “He even gave me a yellow card because, according to him, I tried to hit him,” he lamented.
Castrilli’s critique also included an analysis of an incident in the Copa Libertadores between Universidad Católica and Boca Juniors. In that instance, Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera failed to penalize a heavy challenge by Marcelo Weigandt on Justo Giani.
Universidad Católica manager Daniel Garnero reacted with caution but evident irritation following the match. “Don't make me speak, or I'll end up being fined. You saw what happened. Draw your own conclusions,” the coach stated.