RFEF releases VAR audio from controversial penalty during Levante vs Barcelona | OneFootball

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has released the VAR audio from one of the most debated moments of Barcelona’s 3-2 comeback win over Levante.

The incident in question was the penalty awarded for Alejandro Balde’s handball, which allowed Jose Luis Morales to score Levante’s second goal of the match.

The VAR, Jorge Figueroa, was the first to intervene, alerting on-field referee Alejandro Hernandez from Las Rozas.

“Alejandro, I recommend that you come to see a potential penalty for handballs,” Figueroa stated. He then added, “When you are on the screen, let me know, please.”

Reviewing the incident

Upon reviewing the footage, Hernández explained his reasoning. “The hand is quite separated, correct, in the shot on goal, put it in super slow motion, I want to see it slowly…

“It’s only a penalty, no card for the number 3.” To which Figueroa responded, “Correct.”

The publication of this exchange has only fuelled the controversy, as many believe Balde could not have avoided the rebound given his arm position.

Many argue that the penalty was excessively harsh and inconsistent compared to other decisions made in the same match.

Barcelona left frustrated

While Morales converted the spot-kick to give Levante the lead, Barcelona eventually mounted a dramatic comeback to secure all three points.

However, the focus has remained on the officiating, with many pointing out the lack of consistency in the referee’s decisions.

The Blaugrana were left particularly frustrated that similar handball incidents in Levante’s area were not given the same treatment. On top of that, a strong penalty claim for a foul on Robert Lewandowski was overlooked entirely.

Although the comeback overshadowed the controversy in terms of the result, the refereeing decisions once again raised questions about VAR’s application in La Liga.