Lahozing the plot?
We need to talk about Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
One of the highest-profile referees in European football, undoubtedly top of the list in LaLiga. Charismatic, authentic, unique, quirky – all have been adjectives used to describe him.
However, the criticism is growing, and reached fever pitch at Camp Nou on Saturday, in which the New Year’s Eve Derbi Barceloní was marred by his over-officious style and alarming lack of control.
Vastly experienced, Lahoz has seen the limelight for a number of years now, taking charge of the all-English Champions League final in Porto. That particular performance, the biggest match of his career, led to widespread praise and acclaim. He was even tearful at the medal ceremony, clearly proud of his achievement.
Lahoz was part of the Spanish delegation of referees at the 2018 World Cup, and kept his place for Qatar 2022. However, his performance in the quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands was not celebrated. It was lamented from all corners, from players to pundits. A feisty game, no doubt, but Lahoz was unable to maintain control, and retreated to his pocket to try and restore discipline. Lahoz did not referee any further games at the tournament. The sheer number of cards brandished made headlines around the World: 16 yellows and a red for those keeping count.
Back in LaLiga, his appointment for the crunch clash at Camp Nou was greeted with frustration and anticipation in equal measure. But after the game, even his staunchest defenders could not raise any meaningful defence. A further 14 and two reds, with another he later overturned.
In recent times, it seems like chaos follows him around. In the Champions League this season, there was a tumultuous passage of play at Ibrox between Rangers and Napoli.
Back in October, Sergio Canales was also in disbelief when he was sent off late against Cádiz. Cadena SER revealed details of the conversation which led to the double-yellow. Lahoz allegedly said “if you keep talking to me, I’ll send you off”, and in his report, Lahoz explained that Canales saw red for ‘making observations on refereeing decisions…and reiterating…after having been warned.’
For a referee whose reputation is built on being an approachable and communicative official, these revelations must be a concern for the RFEF, whose committee appoint referees to LaLiga matches.
His display at Camp Nou adds to these concerns. In addition to the high number of cards, the amount of time wasted by his excessive explanations and comprehensive chatter is alarming. He even kissed Xavi on the cheek in the first half.
It must be stated that Lahoz is not the sole culprit – it is a league-wide problem – but the Valencian ref is clearly the most high-profile case. Rubén Uría put it best, highlighting his almost compulsive need to be the protagonist, at the centre of attention.
Lahoz still has capacity to be one of the best refs in the league, so this is not a call to put him out to pasture. However, something clearly needs to be addressed before he takes charge of any top-level game again. A few weeks away with a reappraisal of his displays could be the answer. For his own sake more than anything.