‘Normal dynamics‘ — VAR audio reveals why Gerard Martin’s red was cancelled in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

FC Barcelona got a memorable win as they faced Atletico Madrid in their La Liga game last night. The Blaugranes won the game 1-2, with their winning goal coming only in the very last minutes of the match.

This game also had its fair share of controversial moments. One such moment took place at the very end of the first half, as the Atletico Madrid player Nico Gonzalez was shown a red card by the referee, leaving the hosts with 10 men.

However, it looked like numerical parity would be restored when referee Mateo Busquets showed a red card to Gerard Martín for a hard stamp on Thiago Almada. The Barça defender had cleared the ball in the 46th minute, and the natural momentum of the play caused his studs to make contact with Almada’s ankle.

The VAR referee, Mario Melero Lopez, quickly called Mateo Busquets to review the play. Ultimately, this red card was overturned after a consultation with the VAR, and a yellow card was given instead.

Naturally, this event raised quite a furor, especially among the Colchonero fans. However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the RFEF has released the audio of the conversation that took place between the on-field referee and the VAR official during that incident, which goes as:

VAR referee: “Mateo, I recommend a review so you can assess a possible cancellation of the red card you have shown, please.”

After seeing the replay, Mateo Busquets confirmed his decision:

Mateo Busquets: “Okay, the Barcelona player, controlling the ball, plays it and then steps on him—normal dynamics. I will cancel the red and show him a yellow, okay?”

The audio also includes the reasoning behind Nico Gonzalez’s red card, which came in the final moments of the first half:

VAR referee: “Mateu, I recommend a potential red card for a clear goal-scoring opportunity.”

Mateo Busquets: “I want to see it, I want to see the point of contact, which is clearly outside the area. Show it live. Let it run. Okay, he was about to shoot at the goal.”

The release of this audio gives a clear picture of why Gerard Martin’s red card was overturned. While Atletico fans were quick to react on social media, the conversation shows that the officials followed standard VAR protocol and judged the incident according to the natural dynamics of the game.

With the drama now clarified, both teams will face each other again on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, in what promises to be another intense encounter.