Referee controversy in Dinamo–FCSB derby

Following a 2-1 derby loss between Dinamo București and FCSB, referee Istvan Kovacs faced intense scrutiny for several disputed decisions. FCSB coach Marius Baciu criticized the officiating, specifically contesting a red card issued to Andre Duarte, which he described as a mistake made after a “non-existent foul.”

Subsequent analysis highlighted multiple errors, including a failure to award a penalty to Dinamo and the incorrect red card. Analyst Marius Avram noted that VAR interventions suggested a penalty may have occurred, while Adrian Cristea described the officiating decisions as being “only in reverse.”

New commentary regarding the red card incident came from Danny Armstrong, who addressed the 22nd-minute confrontation where Duarte touched Andrei Mărginean across the face. Armstrong expressed shock at the gesture, labeling the action “madness” and stating he would have been sent off within 30 seconds for a similar act. While describing Duarte as an “ok guy” who likely learned from the error, Armstrong clarified that his vocal demands for a red card were an attempt to stand up for his team following other unfavorable decisions during the match.