CTA admits VAR error in analysing Real Madrid defender’s challenge during Getafe loss | OneFootball

Spain’s refereeing authority, the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), has taken a closer look at the controversial moments from the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Getafe.

The analysis was presented on Tuesday during the programme Tiempo de Revisión (h/t Mundo Deportivo), where the refereeing body reviews key incidents from the weekend’s matches. 

Notably, the game ended in a 1-0 victory for Getafe, but much of the attention after the match focused on two controversial refereeing decisions.

What’s the story?

One of the main incidents discussed involved Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Getafe full-back Diego Rico. 

The moment occurred in the 26th minute when Rico was on the ground during a challenge.

During the action, Rudiger’s knee struck Rico in the face while the Getafe player was still lying on the pitch. 

Despite the seriousness of the contact, referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz did not award a foul or take disciplinary action.

Admitting the error

The situation also went unchecked by VAR on the day, with the system being overseen by Valentin Pizarro Gomez.

After reviewing the footage, the CTA concluded that the incident should have been handled differently. 

According to their explanation, the challenge met the criteria for violent conduct.

The refereeing body explained that Rudiger “lunged with his knee at an opponent lying on the ground with no chance of playing the ball. 

“As this was an incident not seen by the referee and constituted a clear, obvious and manifest error, the VAR should have recommended a review on the monitor so that a direct red card could be given for violent conduct.”

Another incident from different match

Valverde’s goal was also analysed. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Another situation examined during the review involved a challenge from Real Madrid midfielder Manuel Angel on Celta Vigo player Fer Lopez. 

The tackle took place during the build-up to the goal eventually scored by Federico Valverde, which turned out to be the match-winner

On the pitch, referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos did not call a foul, allowing play to continue. VAR also did not intervene during the action, with Juan Luis Pulido Santana overseeing the review.

After studying the play, the CTA supported the referee’s interpretation and confirmed that the tackle was fair.

According to the explanation presented during the review programme, “the Real Madrid player’s dispute is correct.

“He slides in, clearly touching the ball with his foot, with the subsequent contact being residual and insufficient to be considered a foul. 

“Therefore, the goal was correctly awarded, correctly interpreted both on the pitch and in the VAR room.”

The review also highlighted that VAR did not step in during the Manuel Angel challenge because the referee had a clear view of the incident on the pitch. 

In such situations, the final judgement depends on the referee’s interpretation of the contact.