Dodgy Decision Denies Lanzarote Victory on Opening Day

The Rojillos (the reds) season began on the 13th September in the RFEF 3 (fifth tier) with a 1-1 draw. Ian Lane reports from the Ciudad Deportiva.

The season should have kicked off the week before, but all opening matches were postponed due to the Canarian Island select team being involved in a tournament in Latvia.

Tenerife side CD San Miguel were the first visitors to Ciudad Deportiva, where over 700 supporters had turned out despite intense heat well over 30 degrees and a few hangovers from the Los Dolores celebrations the evening before. Those supporters got an early shock when, after a shaky start, San Miguel took the lead in the 8th minute.

Both sides continued to battle it out in the withering heat, and it was Rojillos’ man of the match Javi Martín who levelled the scores just before the hour.

Ten minutes later it looked as though Lanzarote had gone 2-1 in front. A powerful strike from 20 yards by the goal scorer was fumbled by the keeper and Lanzarote’s new striker Aco Hernández, who had been comfortably onside when Javi let loose, darted forward to nod in the rebound.

But the linesman’s flag went up anyway. Video evidence later showed that the goal should have counted, but there’s no VAR at this level and the decision stood. Tough for Lanzarote, but few could argue that the performance of the Tenerife side wasn’t worth a point.

The league season ends on the 9th May with a couple of weeks break for the annual Christmas break. Only the champions are guaranteed promotion with four other sides battling it out in the playoffs and four teams will be relegated.

For more info go to www.lanzarotefootball.com, Lanzarote Football Club on Facebook, email info@mercancialanzarote.com or call 649 963 943.

Lanzarote strips can be purchased at the club stall in Teguise Market each Sunday morning, or at the Club Shop in Costa Teguise, CC Nautical, local 25 (opposite Pueblo Marinero and behind Café Oppa). The shop is open 10 am to 1pm Mon-Fri and also 5-7pm on Weds.