Controversial penalty gives Pelister late 1:0 win over Makedonija G.P.
Referee Plarent Salihi’s 81st‑minute penalty decision awarded Pelister a 1:0 win in Skopje and provoked protests from the home side.
Controversy overshadowed the Second League clash between Makedonija G.P. and Pelister on August 29, 2026, when a penalty awarded to the visitors in the 81st minute decided the match. The decision by referee Plarent Salihi from Tetovo—after Pelister forward Hristov fell without visible contact with any defender—sparked immediate protests from the home side and its supporters.
Disputed spot-kick hands Pelister first win
Makedonija G.P. had come close earlier, with Temelkovski missing a gilt-edged chance in the 31st minute and other opportunities through Georgievski as the hosts pressed for a breakthrough. Pelister threatened at times via Kapsarov, Kire Ristevski and Ivanovski, but the match remained goalless until the late controversy.
In the 81st minute the referee pointed to the spot; Ivanovski stepped up and converted from the penalty, giving Pelister a 1:0 victory and their first win of the new season. The result prompted visible anger among the home crowd, players and club staff, and skirmishes were reported after the final whistle.
The home club has uploaded the full match to its YouTube channel, where the disputed 81st-minute incident can be reviewed. Supporters and commentators called the decision a clear error by Salihi, describing it as a match-defining mistake.
Elsewhere in round three of the Second League, Osogovo and Novaci played to a 0:0 draw in Kočani despite home initiative and chances; Rabotnicki edged Euromilk 1:0 with Bogdanovski’s goal in the 58th minute; and Brera beat Kamjane 2:1 in Strumica — Žoglev opened the scoring from the spot in the 20th minute, Ristovski added in the second half and Ista ili replied for the visitors.
Round 3 results: Makedonija G.P. – Pelister 0:1; Brera – Kamjane 2:1; Rabotnicki – Euromilk 1:0; Osogovo – Novaci 0:0. Table after round 3: 1. Brera 7; 2. Rabotnicki (-1) 6; 3. Belasica (-1) 6; 4. Pelister 5. Fixtures for tomorrow include Shkupi – Tetex, Ohrid – Kozhuf and Belasica – Detonit.
Photo: press material from the event
