Conversation between VAR and referee leading up to Girona’s denied penalty vs Barcelona | OneFootball

In the 44th minute of Barcelona’s match against Girona, an intense moment unfolded when referee Muniz Ruiz initially awarded a penalty against Barça.

This decision was due to a handball by defender Inigo Martinez, who had his back turned at the time. The ball struck Martinez’s right arm, prompting the referee to call for a penalty.

However, after intervention from the VAR team, things took a different turn. The VAR referee reviewed the situation and found that the initial ruling was incorrect, leading to the penalty being disallowed.

What really happened?

Martinez had jumped with his arms outstretched during the play, reacting to a header by Bryan Gil.

At first glance, it seemed like a clear handball. However, further investigation revealed that the ball had actually bounced off Barcelona teammate Alejandro Balde before making contact with Martinez.

This vital piece of information played a significant role in overturning the penalty decision.

Inigo Martinez’s handball almost caused Barcelona a problem. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Just as Abel Ruiz was preparing to take the penalty, VAR referee Valentin Pizarro Gomez intervened. He advised the match referee to review the play, pointing out that Martinez’s handball resulted from a rebound off Balde, not an intentional move.

The VAR conversation

The VAR official clearly communicated to the on-field referee, stating, “Alejandro, look, I’m going to recommend a review so you can see that Inigo Martinez ‘s handball comes from his teammate Balde,” said the referee as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Ruiz, after watching the play again on the monitor near the benches, confirmed that the handball, although initially punishable, had occurred due to an unintended deflection.

“Okay, the handball is open but it comes from Balde,” he said.

Pizarro Gomez further elaborated that Martinez’s arm was in an open position, which normally would warrant a penalty. However, since the ball had come from a teammate’s clearance, the situation changed.

“The ball hits his hand. Open hand, punishable hand, but it comes from his teammate,”

“We open him up with this one and then we’ll show him this one and then whatever he asks for, because the rest are swept away, but here it’s clear,” he said.

In the end, Muniz Ruiz made the final decision, stating confidently, “The arm is very open.”

“I don’t need anything else, I see it clearly. Open arm, clearance from a teammate towards the hand at shoulder height. Perfect, I cancel the penalty.”

With that, the penalty was officially revoked, and Barcelona were spared a potentially game-changing moment.