Sevilla star Jesús Navas backs Atlético amid Copa del Rey VAR controversy | OneFootball

Sevilla star Jesús Navas has provided his take on the late VAR controversy stemming from his side’s showdown with Atlético Madrid.

Atlético and Sevilla, of course, went head-to-head once more a short time ago.

This came by way of a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash, at the Wanda Metropolitano.

When all was said and done, it was the evening’s hosts who emerged triumphant, booking their spot in the Copa’s final-4 courtesy of a solitary Memphis Depay strike a little over 10 minutes from time.

On the back of the full-time whistle bringing proceedings to a close in Spain’s capital, however, controversy reigned once more.

This came after Sevilla were denied a last-gasp penalty, in heartbreaking circumstances.

After Pablo Barrios downed Erik Lamela in the Atléti penalty area, referee Gil Manzano quickly pointed to the spot, awarding the visitors what looked a glorious chance to level things up deep into injury-time.

Manzano, however, was consequently instructed to check the pitchside monitor by VAR head Hernández Hernández.

From here, it was ultimately decided that the decision should be overturned, under the belief that Barrios made contact with the ball, before Lamela.

Many a viewer of the matchup have since expressed their disgust at as much, adamant that a penalty was the correct call.

But, as alluded to above, one individual who does not share such an opinion comes in the form of none other than Sevilla star Jesús Navas.

Speaking to the media post-match at the Metropolitano, Nervionenses captain Navas was asked for his take on the late-game drama.

And the 38-year-old went on to reveal his belief that, in fact, Barrios’ challenge was a fair one:

“Lamela’s last play… it is true that Barrios touched the ball.”

Conor Laird | GSFN