Sergio Ramos criticizes refereeing after Sevilla's elimination: 'Disgraceful'

Sevilla's European campaign came to a disappointing end after finishing fourth in a challenging group that included Arsenal, PSV, and RC Lens. 

This outcome was particularly hard-hitting for the team, as they had a viable opportunity to secure the third spot and a place in the Europa League. Sergio Ramos, speaking to Movistar, emphasized the team's valiant effort despite the adverse circumstances. He pointed out that Sevilla fielded a young squad, with eight of the fifteen players being relatively inexperienced, a factor that he believed added to the commendable nature of their performance.

Ramos, a seasoned defender, played a crucial role in the match, scoring a penalty eleven minutes from full time, bringing the score to 1-1. However, Lens secured a late victory in stoppage time, propelling them to third place in the group and a spot in the Europa League. Ramos reflected on the team's dominance in the first half, noting their superiority over Lens, who, according to him, failed to create significant chances. He lamented Sevilla's lack of decisiveness in critical moments, particularly in front of the goal.

A contentious moment in the match was the penalty awarded to Lens in the 63rd minute by referee Felix Zwayer, which Przeymslaw Frankowski successfully converted. Ramos expressed his disbelief at the decision, criticizing it as a solitary judgment by the referee and calling the incident disgraceful. He acknowledged the significant impact of such moments on the game's outcome and empathized with the frustration and disappointment felt by the Sevilla fans.

Ramos, a strong proponent of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, was particularly critical of the referee's decision not to review the footage before awarding the penalty. His frustration was evident as he struggled to comprehend the referee's lack of recourse to VAR in such a pivotal moment.

Despite the setback in Europe, Ramos remained forward-looking, focusing on Sevilla's upcoming challenges in the domestic league and the Copa del Rey. He emphasized the importance of moving on and not dwelling on the past. His goal in the match marked a significant personal milestone, as he became the most prolific defender in the history of the Champions League, a testament to his enduring quality and impact on the game. This achievement, however, was overshadowed by the team's elimination and the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions.