Penalty Against Aurélien Tchouaméni: The Astonishing Exchange Between the Referee and the VAR Leaked

The Madrid derby was once again marked by controversy, with a penalty decision against Aurélien Tchouaméni sparking heated debate. In a tense La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, referee César Soto Grado pointed to the spot after a VAR intervention, awarding a penalty that left Madrid fans furious. Now, a leaked exchange between the referee and the VAR team has shed new light on the decision, raising serious questions about officiating consistency.

Carlo Ancelotti did not hold back in his post-match comments, openly criticizing the officiating. “The VAR whistled the penalty. The referee was very close to the action and saw very well what happened. I saw a similar penalty in the Athletic-Girona match. People in football don’t understand that,” the Italian coach remarked, visibly frustrated by yet another controversial call against his team.

For Real Madrid, every point matters in the title race, and the penalty decision came at a crucial moment. In the 33rd minute, while contesting a loose ball inside the penalty area, Tchouaméni made contact with an Atlético player. Despite appearing to be a routine duel, VAR intervened and instructed the referee to review the footage. The decision to award the penalty left fans, analysts, and even former referees questioning the legitimacy of the call.

The Leaked Exchange Between the Referee and the VAR Team

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, which reviewed footage aired by Movistar, the conversation between referee César Soto Grado and the VAR team revealed the uncertainty surrounding the decision.

During the review process, Soto Grado requested multiple angles of the incident before making his final call. “I need more images, I need to see better,” he asked the VAR team. However, the response was concerning. “There are no other images,” the VAR officials replied.

Left with just a single replay, the referee had little choice but to make a judgment call based on limited evidence. “Okay. I see that he [Tchouaméni] stepped on him. That’s a penalty. I’m going to give it,” Soto Grado concluded before returning to the pitch to confirm the decision.

A Decision That Lacked Sufficient Evidence

The lack of available camera angles meant that Soto Grado could not comprehensively assess the incident. This raises a fundamental issue: should a game-changing decision like a penalty be awarded based on incomplete footage? Former referee Mateu Lahoz, a well-respected figure in Spanish football, was quick to criticize the call.

“For the sake of preserving the nature of football as a contact sport, that should not have been a penalty,” Lahoz argued. He stressed that referees need to study every aspect of an incident, including the buildup and context of the play, before making a ruling. In this case, the limited footage prevented a thorough review, yet the penalty was still given.

The Impact on Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s frustration stems from a series of controversial refereeing decisions that have gone against them this season. The penalty against Tchouaméni follows a pattern of questionable calls, including a VAR intervention against Lille that led to the disallowance of Madrid’s only goal in a European fixture.

Fans and pundits have pointed out inconsistencies in officiating, noting that similar incidents in other matches have not resulted in penalties. This selective application of VAR decisions has fueled suspicions of bias or, at the very least, a lack of uniformity in how rules are enforced.

The Bigger Picture: Is VAR Failing Football?

The primary purpose of VAR is to reduce errors and ensure fairness in football. However, cases like this raise concerns about its effectiveness. When referees are forced to make crucial decisions based on incomplete footage, it undermines the very integrity of the system.

Ancelotti’s frustrations are shared by many managers who feel that VAR is becoming more of a hindrance than a help. The technology was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, but in many cases, it appears to be creating more uncertainty rather than resolving disputes.

The Response from La Liga and the Refereeing Committee

Following the controversy, La Liga’s refereeing body has yet to issue a statement regarding the decision. However, pressure is mounting for greater transparency in VAR operations. Fans and analysts are calling for referees’ conversations with VAR officials to be made public in real time, as is done in other sports such as rugby.

If such transparency measures were implemented, it could prevent situations where referees are left making calls based on insufficient evidence. It would also hold officials more accountable for their decisions, reducing accusations of bias or incompetence.

Real Madrid’s Next Steps

For Real Madrid, the focus now shifts to moving past this setback. With a crucial Champions League knockout tie approaching and a heated La Liga title race on their hands, Ancelotti’s men must regroup and channel their frustration into performances on the pitch.

However, the club is unlikely to let this issue go unnoticed. Madrid have historically been vocal about refereeing injustices, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they push for officiating reforms, particularly in how VAR is used in La Liga.

A Growing Concern for Defenders

The way referees interpret contact in the penalty area is becoming a major concern for defenders across Europe. If every minor touch is whistled as a foul, football risks becoming a game where defenders can no longer challenge for the ball without fear of conceding a penalty.

This trend could have long-term implications on how the game is played, potentially discouraging physicality and making defending an even greater challenge.

The Unanswered Questions

As the dust settles on yet another controversial Madrid derby, several key questions remain unanswered:

• Why was the referee not provided with additional camera angles?
• Should VAR be allowed to make decisions when evidence is incomplete?
• How can La Liga ensure more consistency in officiating?
• Will Real Madrid officially challenge this decision?

Looking Ahead

This controversy will undoubtedly remain a talking point in Spanish football for weeks to come. Real Madrid’s fans, players, and coaching staff feel aggrieved, but their focus must now be on their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, La Liga and its refereeing body must address the growing concerns surrounding VAR’s role in decision-making.

If no changes are made, the integrity of the league could be further questioned, and faith in officiating could continue to erode. One thing is certain—this will not be the last time VAR sparks outrage in a high-stakes football match.