Atletico Madrid demand VAR review after Barcelona defender’s red card was overturned | OneFootball

Tension is rising in La Liga following a contentious refereeing decision during the clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, with the fallout now set to reach official channels.

At the centre of the storm is Barcelona defender Gerard Martin, who was initially sent off for a challenge on Thiago Almada. 

The referee, Mateo Busquets Ferrer, judged the tackle to be serious foul play and did not hesitate to show a red card.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn moments later.

Conversation with VAR official

Following intervention from VAR official Mario Melero Lopez, the on-field decision was reviewed. 

The referee was advised to take a second look at the incident, opening the door for a possible reversal.

During the conversation, the VAR official said, 

“In my opinion, it’s an action where the Barcelona player is playing the ball normally, a normal part of the game, and then the contact with the Atlético player occurs naturally.”

After reviewing the footage, Busquets Ferrer chose to change his initial decision. Clarifying his thought process, the referee stated.

“Okay, the Barcelona player with control of the ball plays it and then steps on it, normal dynamic. I’m going to cancel the red card and show him the yellow card, okay?”

Atletico Madrid are not happy

While the decision stood on the pitch, it has not been accepted by Atletico Madrid, who, according to AS, are now preparing to formally request an explanation from the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).

The club’s argument is based on consistency, as there is a belief that similar incidents in the past have been judged more harshly. 

One particular reference point is the Betis vs Rayo Vallecano match, where a challenge involving Valentin Gomez was later deemed worthy of a red card despite initial contact with the ball.

Atletico see parallels between that situation and Gerard Martin’s challenge, arguing that both incidents should have led to the same punishment.

As things stand, the committee is expected to review the incident in its upcoming meeting, and early indications suggest that some members feel the red card should have stood.