Erick Lonis, head of sports at Saprissa, expressed strong criticism of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after his team’s 2-2 draw with Puntarenas FC. According to Lonis, he is frustrated by what he perceives as inconsistent use of VAR in matches involving Saprissa.
Lonis pointed out that plays against Saprissa are always reviewed, while those that could benefit the club are often ignored or met with doubt. He cited a specific example from the match against Puntarenas FC, stating that a penalty was committed against Bancy Hernández but was not reviewed.
“It is said that Saprissa was favored and that’s not true; I have the data. At least in penalties, expulsions, and penalties for and against, Saprissa has not been favored. I have data from professionals in statistics; that’s not true,” Lonis said.
“If I have to take heat for defending this institution, then I’ll do it. It’s not possible for us to be questioned; look at how many penalties Waston gets per game,” he added.
When asked if his frustration extended to refereeing overall, Lonis clarified: “My annoyance is with VAR. But well, we get three yellow cards and we’re the ones who receive the most fouls… How do you explain that? How do they not review the play where Bancy is fouled for a penalty? They don’t even check it. This is something we can’t allow to continue happening,” he stated.
Lonis reiterated his concerns publicly: “We have been repetitive about VAR. Everything is reviewed against us to hurt us, but when it’s to help us, there are doubts. Our games have been conditioned.”
During the opening match of the 2026 Clausura Tournament, VAR was used to award a penalty against Saprissa in the first half. In another incident during the second half, VAR ruled an offside on a play that could have resulted in another penalty against Saprissa.
Saprissa will face Herediano at Carlos Alvarado stadium in Santa Bárbara in their next fixture.
