The VAR and the Controversial Decisions: Analysis of Espanyol-Getafe

The Technical Committee of Referees breaks down the refereeing decisions in a match marked by controversy

This Tuesday, the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) presented its usual “Review Time” video, where it analyzes the most controversial plays of the day. One of the most notable was the one that took place in the match between RCD Espanyol and Getafe, a match full of questionable decisions that left fans with many questions. From disallowed goals to VAR intervention, let's break down what happened.

The meeting, which took place last weekend, was full of actions that generated controversy. Especially, two goals disallowed against Espanyol in the first half, just when the scoreboard still reflected a goalless draw. These decisions, based on Semi-Automatic Offside, have sparked intense debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the video referee system.

But not only the goals were the subject of discussion. From the first minute of the match, a play caused the VAR to intervene. On this occasion, a header from Cyril Ngonge hit Diego Rico's arm, which led referee Isidro Díaz de Mera to consult with the VOR room, directed by Pablo González Fuertes, to determine if he should award a penalty.

After reviewing the images on multiple occasions, the referee chose not to sanction the play. His justification was clear: “Pablo, for me he is in a natural position; the ball is not going anywhere. Diego Rico tries to clear and, although it grazes his hand, I do not consider it punishable. I will restart with a corner.” This decision was met with skepticism by many fans and analysts, who question the consistency in the application of football rules.

The CTA, in its subsequent analysis, clarified the situation by explaining that “the ball that was going out of bounds grazed a Getafe player. This player, surprised by the action, removed his arm to avoid contact.” Although the VAR called the referee to review the action, he maintained his initial decision after evaluating the context and the applicable rules.

In addition, it was highlighted that, according to the criteria established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), it is not considered an infraction if the arm is close to the body and does not increase its volume. The short distance from which the shot came and the attempt to withdraw the arm were determining factors in not sanctioning the action.

Finally, the CTA concluded that “the VAR acted incorrectly when calling the referee. The decision on the field was correct and there was no error that justified the intervention”, making it clear that technology does not always manage to do justice and that human decisions still play a crucial role in football.

In summary, the match between Espanyol and Getafe was not only a confrontation on the field of play, but also a stage for debate about the effectiveness of VAR and its implementation in critical situations. With the season progressing, fans are waiting to see how these controversies are handled as the championship draws closer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the Espanyol-Getafe match?
The match was marked by controversial refereeing decisions, including two disallowed goals against Espanyol and a VAR review for an alleged handball.
Why was Espanyol's goal annulled?
The goals were disallowed by the Semi-Automatic Offside, which generated debate about its application.
What was the controversial VAR play?
An action in which a shot by Cyril Ngonge hit Diego Rico's arm, which was reviewed but not sanctioned as a penalty.
What criteria does the VAR use to sanction hands?
The proximity of the arm to the body and whether it increases the volume are essential according to the IFAB.
What did the CTA think about the VAR intervention?
The CTA considered that the VAR intervention was erroneous and that the referee's decision on the field was correct.
How does VAR affect referee decisions?
VAR seeks to help referees, but its use has generated criticism and doubts about its effectiveness.
What do fans think about VAR?
Opinions are divided; some support its use, while others believe it creates more confusion.
What measures can be taken to improve VAR?
Some proposals include more training for referees and greater clarity in communication with fans.
Is VAR expected to change in future seasons?
The rules and use of VAR are likely to continue to be adjusted to optimize its effectiveness.
How can you participate in discussions about VAR?
You can join discussion groups on social networks or platforms like Telegram to share opinions and analysis.