Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Real Betis, with Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals, but the match was marred by controversy over a penalty decision involving Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward won a penalty after a contentious challenge with Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva, leading to widespread debate.
During the incident, Silva rushed out to challenge Vinicius, who appeared to initiate contact by striking the goalkeeper’s leg. Initially, referee Alberola Rojas did not award a penalty, believing there was an offside in the buildup. However, after being advised by VAR official Muniz Ruiz to review the incident, Rojas reversed his decision and awarded the penalty.
The decision sparked criticism, notably from Dutch football legend Marco van Basten. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, van Basten expressed his frustration with the call, stating, “Vinicius kicked the goalkeeper in the legs, and he didn’t even do anything. What nonsense must the VAR have to see this as a penalty? It’s a typical example of the fact that the VAR has never played a match. If he had, he would know.”
Earlier in the match, Real Madrid had appealed for two other penalties—one for an alleged handball by Diego Llorente and another for a supposed foul on Dani Ceballos. Both appeals were dismissed by the referee, adding to the frustration of Real Madrid players and fans.
The controversy surrounding the penalty awarded to Vinicius has reignited the ongoing debate about the consistency and fairness of VAR decisions in football.
The controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Betis, where Kylian Mbappé scored both goals, centers on a disputed penalty decision involving Vinicius Jr. In a tense moment during the match, Vinicius Jr. won a penalty after a controversial challenge with Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva. The incident occurred when Silva rushed out to challenge Vinicius, who appeared to initiate contact by kicking the goalkeeper’s leg. Initially, referee Alberola Rojas did not award a penalty, thinking there was an offside in the buildup. However, after a review by VAR official Muniz Ruiz, Rojas was advised to revisit the decision, leading him to ultimately award the penalty.
This decision has sparked criticism, particularly from former Dutch football legend Marco van Basten, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the call in an interview with *Mundo Deportivo*. Van Basten stated, “Vinicius kicked the goalkeeper in the legs, and he didn’t even do anything. What nonsense must the VAR have to see this as a penalty? It’s a typical example of the fact that the VAR has never played a match. If he had, he would know.” His remarks reflect a broader frustration with the perceived inconsistency and lack of understanding in some VAR decisions.
Adding to the controversy, Real Madrid had appealed for two other penalties earlier in the match. The first was for an alleged handball by Diego Llorente, and the second was for a supposed foul on Dani Ceballos. Both appeals were dismissed by the referee, further fueling the frustration among Real Madrid players and fans.
The incident has reignited debates about the consistency and fairness of VAR decisions in football, highlighting ongoing concerns about the technology’s application and the need for more clarity in its use.
