Denis Bouanga responds to controversial penalty against LA Galaxy

The first El Tráfico derby of the 2024 Major League Soccer season saw Los Angeles FC emerge victorious over LA Galaxy with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of a controversial penalty in the match held at the BMO Stadium.

The winning goal was scored by Denis Bouanga, after the referee awarded a contentious penalty in favor of the hosts during the first half.

The Gabonese forward and 2023 Golden Boot winner made no mistake from the spot, scoring his second goal of the campaign to secure three points for the 'Black & Gold'.

Los Angeles Football Club ended Los Angeles Galaxy's undefeated run so far in the season, now placing fifth in the Western Conference.

"We feel good; we won the derby, and it's three more points. This victory was very important for the team and will help us continue to improve. Now we have to prepare for the next matches," declared Denis Bouanga at the end of the match.

Denis Bouanga responds to controversial penalty against LA Galaxy

Initially, it seemed that LA Galaxy defender Miki Yamane brought down Bouanga inside the box in the 32nd minute, but replays showed there was no contact. The referee reviewed the play and confirmed that the Gabonese forward had been fouled despite protests from all the visiting team players.

"I knew he was going to hit me. I made the right move and knew what I had to do. They gave us the penalty, and I scored. That's what I had to do," commented the designated LAFC player when asked if it was a penalty in his opinion.

"Well, for the penalty, I haven't seen any contact, and even though he went to check the VAR, that's what I don't understand. If he sees it live and doesn't go to VAR and doesn't want to call it, I understand. But if he goes to VAR and sees what we've all seen, that there's no contact, I don't understand how it can be a penalty," commented LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig when asked about the referee's decision.