VAR controversy in Barcelona – Las Palmas game as unnecessary drama erupts over a clear offside call | OneFootball

Refereeing decisions and VAR interventions in La Liga have been under intense scrutiny lately, and the Las Palmas-Barcelona clash only added fuel to the fire.

A seemingly straightforward offside call in the 80th minute turned into an unnecessarily long review, which greatly impacted the flow of the game.

The controversy erupted when Las Palmas appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Eric Garcia’s arm inside the box.

However, the play had already been invalidated due to a clear offside in the buildup. Despite the obvious nature of the call, referee Cordero Vega was sent to the monitor for a review, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Conversation between VAR and the referee

In an attempt to clarify the situation, RFEF later released the audio of the VAR discussion. The conversation revealed that VAR official Del Cerro Grande first informed Cordero Vega of two elements to consider: a possible handball by Garcia and a preceding offside.

VAR controversy erupts again (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite this, the referee was still taken through multiple angles of the handball incident before ultimately confirming the offside decision.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

From Del Cerro to Cordero Vega

“I’m going to recommend a review so that you can assess a possible penalty, and beforehand, there is an offside situation, okay? And beforehand, there is an offside situation, okay?”

From Del Cerro to the operator

“The reverse angle, the other reverse angle, also clearly shows that the hand is extended.”

From Del Cerro to Cordero Vega

“You’re going to see that there’s a handball in a shot on goal, that the hand is extended, and then I’ll show you the offside as well so you can assess it.”

Cordero Vega

“I’m in front of the monitor, Carlos. Please play the action at twenty percent speed.”

From Del Cerro to Cordero Vega

“Slower. The arm, even though it’s being used for support, is extended, occupies space, and it’s a shot on goal. But I also want you to assess that there is a prior offside position.”

Cordero Vega

“Stop at the point of contact.”

From Del Cerro

“Remember that there is a prior offside situation.”

From Del Cerro

“When Sandro takes the shot. I’ll leave it with you. There’s a touch with the back that I’ll show you from another camera angle so you can see that it indeed touches his back. It touches his back, and I’ll rewind to frame 16 so you can see it again.”

Cordero Vega

“Okay, perfect, yes, back touch.”

From Del Cerro

“Do you see the offside position? We’ll send the lines later, okay?”

From Del Cerro

“The offside position is prior to the penalty.”

The lengthy review, which lasted over two minutes, frustrated both teams and fans.

After the match, Las Palmas coach Diego Martinez confronted the referee, questioning why the play was even reviewed. The official responded, “So that people know, so they don’t think we ignored it.”

This incident comes at a time when La Liga’s refereeing standards are already being questioned, with Real Madrid recently voicing strong concerns over VAR’s inconsistency.

This lack of directness and confusion have certainly raised some alarms within both the clubs. But with the game done and dusted without any major impact to the scoreline, it is unlikely referee Vega will come under fire for this incident.