The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has released the VAR audio from a controversial penalty decision in the recent Levante vs. Barcelona match.
Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Levante in La Liga was a match filled with drama, skill, and contentious officiating.
While the Blaugrana secured three crucial points, the game was overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision that has reignited discussions about the consistency of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rulings in Spanish football.
Fans and analysts alike are dissecting the refereeing calls that influenced the outcome, raising questions about fairness and clarity in the application of VAR.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) released the VAR audio related to a pivotal moment in the match: a penalty awarded against Barcelona for a handball by Alejandro Balde.
The incident occurred when VAR official Jorge Figueroa alerted on-field referee Alejandro Hernandez, recommending a review for a potential handball.
“Alejandro, I recommend that you come to see a potential penalty for handballs,” Figueroa stated. Upon reviewing the footage, Hernandez noted, “The hand is quite separated, correct, in the shot on goal,” ultimately confirming the penalty without issuing a card.
The decision allowed Levante’s Jose Luis Morales to score, giving his team a temporary lead.
The release of the audio has only intensified the controversy.
Many argue that Balde’s arm position was natural and unavoidable, making the penalty call excessively harsh. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies, as similar handball incidents in Levante’s penalty area were not penalized.
Additionally, a strong claim for a foul on Robert Lewandowski was ignored, further frustrating Barcelona’s camp.
These discrepancies have fueled accusations of uneven officiating, with fans and pundits questioning the clarity of VAR protocols.
Despite the contentious calls, Barcelona’s resilience shone through, as they mounted a dramatic comeback to clinch the victory.
However, the focus remains on the officiating, with the released VAR audio doing little to quell the debate.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about VAR’s role in La Liga, highlighting the need for greater consistency and transparency in refereeing decisions to ensure fairness across the board.
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