(foto: Getty Images)
VAR drama in El Clasico: Referee reverses Barcelona penalty after review.
In the 96th minute of Saturday’s Copa del Rey El Clasico, Raphinha went down inside Real Madrid’s penalty area after a duel with defender Raul Asencio. At that point, the score was tied at 2-2. Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea immediately pointed to the penalty spot, sparking protests from Real Madrid players.
VAR then intervened. VAR official Gonzalez Fuertes contacted the main referee and suggested a review of the incident. Spanish media later revealed the full content of the conversation between the VAR room and the on-field referee.
"Ricki, I suggest you take a look at the situation."
"I'm at the screen."
"Good. You’ll see the player already dragging his foot before the contact. Look from another angle as well. You’ll see that there is no actual contact with either foot."
"Perfect. I will cancel the penalty and give Raphinha a yellow card."