VAR technology sparks controversy whenever and wherever introduced. Spain’s LaLiga is no exception. Coaches, players and fans alike are still determining whether video assistant referees can be trusted or not.
Roque Mesa red card in Seville derby
Eleven VAR decisions have been made so far in LaLiga. Although most of them have benefited justice, some have left space for doubts. Such is the case of the Seville derby, when referee Jesus Gil Manzano consulted his video assistants and determined Roque Mesa deserved a red card after his collision with Betis’ goalkeeper Pau Lopez. The decision enraged coach Pablo Machin, who said after the game:
“The BAR is there to drink beers; the VAR is to do justice.”
Multiple camera views showed the rulling was harsh and proved the technology’s imperfection. Its objective is to prevent game-changing mistakes, but in arbitrary cases like this one, it comes down to an individual judgment call. At the end of the day, machines record, but the referees are the ones making the final decisions. It’s impossible to exclude their opinion or point of view.
Wissam Ben Yedder disallowed goal against Getafe
Sevilla was involved in another controversial moment when they hosted Getafe. Wissam Ben Yedder scored what appeared to be a regular goal, yet it was disallowed for an offside following a VAR review. After the game, a Spanish TV programme used advanced 3D technology to show Ben Yedder was in a correct position by 11 centimetres.
Valladolid missed calls in Vigo
Then, just this weekend, Valladolid were furious and described game refereeing as “the worst VAR usage in the history of football” on their official website after three missed calls in the away fixture against Celta Vigo (3-3). They were more upset at the lack of VAR usage than the results of it, which as a matter of fact is the main concern behind its introduction. Replays are pretty accurate at telling the truth. The question is whether referees can learn when to ask for help. For now, it’s a learning process, which is why the debate is raging. In time, though, VAR should become the best assistant referee on and off the pitch.
“The system goes beyond the side of justice, although it’s clear there are nuances which need improving,” – Diego Simeone
