LaLiga matchday 18 controversies, penalties, VAR calls and disputed incidents | OneFootball

Iturralde González reviewed LaLiga matchday 18’s flashpoints, assessing penalties and VAR checks. According to AS, several decisions were supportable yet finely balanced.

Early in Real Madrid against Real Betis, Vinicius tangled with Ángel Ortiz in the area. González labelled it a grey, difficult action, leaning towards penalty. He said it was not the classic stop-and-be-barged foul, more the defender too close from behind, causing a trip.

In Sevilla against Levante, a last-minute VAR check followed Toljan’s high boot on Kike Salas. González expected a penalty and a booking, noting similar incidents have been judged differently this season.

Celta against Valencia brought two first-half penalties. Aidoo tripped Almeida and De Burgos Bengoechea gave the first, which Pepelu hit the post. Later Foulquier stepped on Borja Iglesias, De Burgos pointed to the spot and Borja scored, with González saying both calls were right, the second more arguable.

Pepelu then made it 2-1 after the ball struck Ramazani’s hand in the build-up. González said the touch was accidental and no longer immediate, so the goal stood unless deemed deliberate.

A fractious finish followed in Balaídos. Agirrezabala was injured and Hugo Álvarez scored, then Corberán put Pepelu in goal. González said regulations were breached because Pepelu wore the goalkeeper’s shirt.

At Rayo against Getafe, Ratiu’s high boot near Adrián Liso prompted appeals. González said a penalty required proof of contact, which replays did not show, otherwise it was dangerous play and an indirect free-kick, beyond VAR. Referee Ortiz Arias gave no foul.

Source: AS