In the aftermath of Barcelona's defeat to Real Sociedad, a Spanish referee's conversation with Hansi Flick has been revealed, shedding light on the controversial offside call that denied Robert Lewandowski a goal. The referee insisted that the decision was correct and there was no foul play involved, despite Flick's protests. The close call, made with the assistance of VAR, sparked frustration and debate among fans, further highlighting the importance and impact of technology in modern-day football.
Background:
In a highly anticipated La Liga clash between Barcelona and Real Sociedad, a controversial offside call denied Robert Lewandowski a goal, sparking outrage among Barca fans. The incident occurred in the 69th minute when Lewandowski slipped past the Sociedad defense and fired home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed by the linesman, who judged the striker to be offside. The call was later confirmed by VAR, leaving Lewandowski and Barca furious.
Referee's Conversation:
After the match, a conversation between the referee, Carlos del Cerro Grande, and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick (who was observing the game) was revealed by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito. In the conversation, del Cerro Grande insisted that the offside call was correct and that there was no foul play involved.
Flick's Protest:
Flick, however, protested the decision, arguing that Lewandowski was obstructed by Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand. Flick also pointed out that Le Normand had used his hand to impede Lewandowski's run, which should have been deemed a foul.
VAR's Role:
The controversy highlights the increasingly prominent role of VAR in modern-day football. While VAR is intended to correct officiating errors, it can sometimes be subjective and lead to contentious decisions. In this case, the VAR officials agreed with the linesman's offside call, nonostante Flick's protests.
FAQs:
1. Was Lewandowski offside?
The linesman and VAR officials ruled that Lewandowski was offside by a few millimeters.
2. Did Le Normand commit a foul?
The referee did not consider Le Normand's contact with Lewandowski to be a foul.
3. Was the decision fair?
Opinions vary on whether the offside call was fair. Some believe it was a correct application of the offside rule, while others argue that the decision was harsh.
4. What is the future of VAR in football?
VAR is still a relatively new technology in football, and its use is likely to evolve over time. The incident between Barcelona and Real Sociedad highlights the potential for controversy when subjective decisions are made with the assistance of technology.
5. What impact did the decision have on the match?
Barcelona went on to lose the match 1-0, and the disallowed goal could have potentially changed the outcome.
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