The introduction of VAR is one of the biggest alterations in the history of football and its implementation in LaLiga Santander has not been straightforward as the technology continues to be mired in controversy.
There have been many contentious decisions involving VAR since it was first brought on to the scene.
Penalty awarded to Casemiro
Iglesias Villanueva reluctantly pointed to the spot after Casemiro went down inside the box against Levante on Sunday night.
The referee believed that there had been contact and his colleague Jaime Latre, who was monitoring the VAR screens at Las Rozas, confirmed this.
Despite the fact that the referee was convinced that the Brazilian had thrown himself to the ground theatrically, the undeniable fact of the matter is that he was clipped, albeit barely touched; by the letter of the law, contact is contact and upon reviewing the decision, a penalty had to be given.
We must not forget, however, that VAR has only been fully functional and in existence for around seven months so we can expect there to be significant improvements made in the near future in order to ensure that there is more consistency.
Kondogbia’s controversial goal
Geoffrey Kondogbia scored a header for Valencia, also on Sunday, after leaning on Leganes defender Unai Bustinza.
The referee did not award a free-kick and seeing as VAR did not consider it to be a clear foul, the decision was not reviewed.
Referring to the aforementioned point about consistency, people have since asked the question as to why a similar situation in the Champions League, when Alvaro Morata leaned on Giorgio Chielini to gain an unfair advantage, was reviewed and a foul was given.
The most likely explanation in the game involving Valencia and Leganes is that referee, Estrada Fernandez, had spotted the incident and deemed it nothing more than a coming together, hence why the goal was awarded.
Funes Mori’s slap on Morata
The referee did not give a penalty to Atletico Madrid in their home clash against Villarreal as he did not see Ramiro Funes Mori’s slap on Morata.
The decision would have been reviewed by VAR if he had awarded it, but because the incident took place outside of the box and it was not considered to be a red card offence, VAR was not consulted.