The football world was captivated by the recent “El Clásico” between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Real Madrid. The match was filled with intense moments and controversial referee decisions.
The morning after the match, the football world remained divided. Some celebrated Real Madrid’s victory, while others criticized the referees for what they perceive as unfair decisions against Barcelona.
The controversy surrounding the match intensified when Barcelona President Joan Laporta announced that the club would seek a replay of the El Clásico if it was confirmed that the match officials were wrong in not awarding Lamin Yamal’s “ghost goal.” This pivotal moment occurred in the first half when Yamal redirected a ball towards the goal from a corner kick. However, it was unclear whether the ball had crossed the goal line before being cleared by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin.
Due to the absence of goal-line technology in Spain, the referees turned to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to address the controversy. However, the VAR was unable to definitively determine whether the ball had crossed the goal line, as the camera angles did not provide a clear view. As a result, the goal was not awarded, and the match continued with the score at 1-1.
Laporta demanded that the Spanish Federation and the arbitration committee provide Barcelona with all footage and recordings related to the incident, including audio recordings of the referees’ conversations.
In a video released by Barcelona, Laporta stated, “If, upon reviewing the documents, the club finds that there was an error in assessing the goal, as we believe there was, we will take all necessary measures to correct the situation, including considering legal action if necessary.”
He added, “If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, as we believe, we will go further and ask for a replay, similar to what happened in another European match due to a VAR error.”
The Barcelona president was referring to a match between Anderlecht and Genk in the Belgian first division last January, which was replayed after an error in applying the laws of the game.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said it was a “shame” that Spanish football does not use goal-line technology.
Laporta also criticized the “misuse” of video referee technology in general, pointing out what he saw as “contradictory standards” for its intervention depending on the teams involved.
Barcelona’s appeal for two penalty kicks was dismissed during the “El Clásico” defeat, despite claims of fouls on Yamal and Fermin Lopez.
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