Riqui Puig criticizes refereeing in LA Galaxy's loss to LAFC

LA Galaxy suffered a 2-1 defeat against LAFC in a game marked by a contentious penalty decision. Riqui Puig, the Galaxy's star player, voiced his frustration with the refereeing after the loss.

"I didn't see any contact for the penalty, even after VAR. That's what I don't understand. If the ref doesn't go to VAR and doesn't want to call it, I get it, but if he reviews it and sees what we all saw, which I believe is no contact, I don't understand how it can be a penalty," said the Spanish midfielder.

LAFC took the lead in the 4th minute when Timothy Tillman tapped in a corner header. Both teams had chances in front of goal in a match with little midfield action. LA Galaxy equalized with a left-footed strike from Julián Aude in the 29th minute.

The controversial penalty incident occurred in the 34th minute when Denis Bouanga went down in the box, prompting referee Jon Fremon to point to the spot immediately.

Despite numerous replays showing minimal contact, Fremon stuck with his decision to award the penalty after VAR review.

Riqui Puig criticizes refereeing in LA Galaxy's loss to LAFC

"It's also true that the home crowd's pressure might have played a role. We also conceded the first goal very early, which was tough because we came with high hopes and wanted to confirm our top spot. It was a tough blow to start losing so early in the game," Puig added.

The Los Angeles star lamented the loss but stressed the need to maintain their good form and seek victory in the next game.

"It's always tough to lose a Tráfico against the eternal rival, but as I said, I don't think this should overshadow the great start to the season we've had. We need to keep working as we've been doing, go to Vancouver, and get the three points."

"We need to keep working, improve on the things we weren't sharp at today, and I think the team is hurt, but we have to keep improving and playing the matches," concluded Galaxy's number 10.