A challenge by Real Madrid defender Joao Cancelo on Barcelona forward Yan Diomande during El Clasico has prompted renewed criticism of the decision not to involve VAR.
The incident came in the 57th minute, according to Spanish newspaper AS, when Cancelo’s studs made contact with Diomande’s calf during a tackle. The force of the collision was clear as the Portuguese full-back’s studs caught the Barcelona player’s leg.
Diomande briefly went off the pitch for treatment before returning to the match, Defensa Central reported. However, the incident was not reviewed by VAR.
The challenge added to the scrutiny surrounding referee decisions during a fiercely contested meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, where tensions remained high throughout the match. Particular attention focused on why the contact was not referred for further review.
The Archivo VAR website analysed the tackle and said Cancelo caught Diomande’s leg with his heel, but did not use excessive force. It also reported that the contact caused an abrasion to the back of Diomande’s leg.
However, Archivo VAR described referee Martinez Munuera’s decision not to issue a yellow card as a serious error of judgment.
