The El Clasico ‘futbol’, or soccer match, is one of the most infamous in the entire world. Very rarely do you see two teams with such history and backstory face off against one another to try and claim the coveted title of the best team in Spain? This is exactly what it is like when Barcelona FC faces off against Real Madrid every year in this prestigious match-up that brings in people from all over the world.
There is always drama, controversy, and intense rivalry during this match. But very rarely do we see a call so pivotal that it can change who wins and who loses the game. That is exactly what occurred in the latest El Clasico on Monday morning. Will the game be replayed, or will Barcelona concede 3 points to Real?
Barcelona Drops Crucial Points Due to Controversial VAR Call
🎙️ Xavi's reaction following #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/F0ERn5y8yX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 21, 2024
The Barca president is asking for a replay due to a controversial VAR call that saw Real Madrid win the intense battle in stoppage time. VAR is an electronic measuring system that determines if a player is offside using camera angles, lines, and slow-motion replays.
There has been tons of controversy due to the use of VAR in recent years, with the new technology slowing down the game and leading to game-changing calls that otherwise would not be noticed by the traditional refs.
And that controversy continues with the El Clasico game on Monday morning. The incident in the 28th minute saw Madrid’s keeper clear a shot from a Barca player that would have resulted in a goal. Instead of awarding Barcelona a key first-half goal to put Real Madrid on the back foot, the call was for Barca to take a corner instead.
Now, the Barcelona president has requested the Spanish Football Federation to replay the entire match if the ball did go over the line and lead to a goal. Laporta, the Barcelona president, had a few keywords to say to the RFEF after the game was finished.
‘As president of FC Barcelona, I would like to put across my dissatisfaction the day after the improper use of VAR in one of the most important matches in the global schedule…As you well know, I have never been a great defender of VAR…it takes away football’s spontaneity…I am highlighting the fact that even though it is a tool that has been used for a while, it continues to create confusion with contradictory criteria according to matches and teams.’
It seems like tons of coaches, fans, and players agree as well. VAR has slowed down the game and has caused key goals to be called back fans to not be able to celebrate with their teams, and lengthy delays in gameplay cause football matches to last more than 2 hours.
Also Read: Chelsea Superstar Is Likely to Miss Today’s Premier League Fixture 4-24-24
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Not the Only VAR Error
Laporta continued in his statement to reference a previous European football game where VAR was inappropriately used, leading to a controversial result.
‘We do not discount requesting that the game be replayed, just as happened in another game in Europe due to a VAR error.’
The game he is referring to was back in January when Anderlecht and Racing Genk were replayed due to a VAR error.
The Barca president is surely hoping that the Spanish Football Federation will follow suit.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
