The match in Vallecas on matchday three has sparked a new refereeing controversy with FC Barcelona as the main character.
This isn't the first time the blaugranas have benefited from controversial decisions. However, this time, the scandal has an added element that makes it even more serious: VAR didn't work during the first half.
This technical failure has exposed a match that could've taken a different turn because of a non-existent penalty on Lamine Yamal. This incident caused protests in the stands and on the opposing bench. However, the referee didn't hesitate to call it even though the play showed a very different reality.
The technical failure that changed everything
The footage confirms that the video assistant referee system was inoperative during the first 45 min. The problem wouldn't have escalated if it weren't for the fact that the controversial incident happened precisely during that period. With no possibility of review, the referee's decision stood and Barça was clearly favored.
La Liga confirmed the failure in VAR. However, what they didn't clarify was why the referee called a penalty that was clearly non-existent. The contact with Lamine Yamal was minimal and the young blaugrana winger let himself fall with an ease that triggered outrage among the home fans.
Lamine Yamal and the excess of theatrics
Lamine is, without a doubt, one of the most unbalancing footballers in Spanish soccer. However, his tendency to exaggerate contact is starting to raise suspicions. In Vallecas, he once again staged a theatrical fall that the referee turned into a penalty kick.
The young player had already been criticized days earlier for his behavior during a goal celebration, placing a symbolic crown on his head. Now, with this incident, his maturity and his understanding of competition are being called into question.
Referee inclined to help
The harshest critics point out that the referee not only made a mistake, but was inclined to favor Barça. Calling a penalty of that nature, in a match with VAR down, is at the very least suspicious.
What was a piece of theater by Yamal for the opponent became the play that opened the scoring for the referee.
The debate remains open. Referees will have to decide when they "take note" of Lamine Yamal. He has extraordinary talent, but he's earning a dangerous reputation by abusing these kinds of tactics.
Scandal served in Vallecas
The Vallecas episode won't go unnoticed. The home fans have already shown their anger and in Madrid, no one is talking about anything else.
A penalty that wasn't, an absent VAR, and a referee who seemed more focused on helping Barça than on delivering justice. Spanish soccer is once again under scrutiny.