VAR audio from Villarreal v Valencia puts Gil Manzano under scrutiny | OneFootball

The RFEF released the audio of internal exchanges between referee Gil Manzano and the VAR from the Villarreal v Valencia derby, showing he was corrected twice for penalties. As reported by Superdeporte, both decisions followed on-field reviews at the monitor.

The first came in the 22nd minute when Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior felled Valencia forward Umar Sadiq in the box. After reviewing the footage pitchside, Manzano awarded a penalty. Largie Ramazani scored from the spot to make it 0-1.

In the audio, the VAR team advised a review for a potential penalty, highlighting that Sadiq played the ball and the goalkeeper then brought him down. Manzano acknowledged knee contact and opted for a yellow card.

The second penalty arrived in the 47th minute after a cross struck Ramazani’s arm, which was deemed in an unnatural position. Manzano again pointed to the spot following VAR assistance and Pape Gueye converted, beating Dimitrievski to put Villarreal ahead.

The review audio records a recommendation to check for handball, with replays showing the point of contact and Ramazani’s arm extended inside the area. Manzano confirmed the penalty without a card.

Source: Superdeporte