- Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, is pushing for the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to contemplate replaying the El Clasico clash
- Coach Xavi Hernandez's criticism of LaLiga's officiating underscores the frustration surrounding the absence of goal-line technology
- Laporta's dissatisfaction with the handling of VAR prompts Barcelona to demand comprehensive footage and audio from the incident
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has urged the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to consider replaying Sunday’s El Clasico clash with Real Madrid if conclusive evidence emerges that Lamine Yamal’s contentious goal should have been allowed.
In the aftermath of Barcelona’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid, where Yamal’s goal was disallowed by VAR, coach Xavi Hernandez criticized LaLiga’s officiating, highlighting the absence of goal-line technology.
Yamal’s 28th-minute strike underwent lengthy VAR review after it seemingly crossed the line before being cleared by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper. However, the goal was annulled, and a corner was awarded to Barcelona.
In a statement on Monday, Laporta expressed dissatisfaction with the misuse of VAR in such a crucial match and announced Barcelona’s intention to request comprehensive footage and audio from the incident from the Technical Refereeing Committee at the Spanish Football Federation.
Laporta stated, “If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, we will move ahead and we do not discount requesting that the game be replayed, just as has happened in another game in Europe due to a VAR error.”
Despite Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Vazquez equalizing twice, Barcelona ultimately succumbed to a 91st-minute goal by Jude Bellingham, securing Real’s fourth consecutive victory over their Catalan rivals. With Barca trailing by 11 points and only six games remaining, overturning the deficit seems increasingly challenging.
