The ongoing VAR controversy in La Liga has reached new heights following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Almeria, where they became the first team in the league to benefit from three VAR decisions in their favor.
The refereeing debate has taken center stage in headlines, particularly after the release of audio showcasing deviations from protocol during the decision-making process between the video assistant referee and the on-field referee.
Almeria hasn’t shied away from expressing their frustration, and Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez added fuel to the fire by suggesting that certain aspects of La Liga refereeing didn’t align.
The controversy deepened when a new incident gained attention, raising eyebrows among Almeria and Real Madrid’s rivals. In this instance, footage suggests that Vinicius Junior elbowed Alejandro Pozo in the face. Surprisingly, the referee did not notice the incident, and VAR did not review it, leaving fans bewildered.
The potential repercussions for Vinicius Junior are not to be dismissed. If Almeria formally files a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Brazilian forward could face a substantial ban. According to MD, if a player is found to have “struck” an opponent without causing injury, with the ball not in playing distance, a ban ranging from 4 to 12 games can be imposed.
However, it remains uncertain whether the Competition Committee will entertain such a complaint, as incidents involving elbows during matches often go unpunished.
While Vinicius’s fate hangs in the balance, Real Madrid faces another setback with Jude Bellingham set to miss their upcoming league match against Las Palmas. Bellingham received his fifth yellow card of the season against Almeria, triggering a suspension.
This absence means that Los Blancos will confront the second-best defense in La Liga, surpassed only by themselves, without one of their key offensive contributors. Brahim Diaz is expected to step into the role, a position he handled adeptly in the previous encounter between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The VAR saga, coupled with contentious refereeing decisions, continues to cast a shadow over La Liga, sparking debates about fairness and accountability. As the league grapples with these issues, the upcoming matches will likely be scrutinized closely, with fans and pundits alike questioning the effectiveness and consistency of VAR in Spanish football.
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var is correct