Barcelona President Joan Laporta is seething with anger after a contentious call went against his team in their recent El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid. The incident under scrutiny revolves around teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who thought he had scored a crucial goal. The referee, however, ruled the goal out, despite the ball appearing to cross the line.
The incident, which has been dubbed the “phantom goal,” has sparked controversy as La Liga is yet to incorporate goal-line technology. With no definitive proof of the goal, even the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) couldn’t overturn the call. Barcelona lost the match 3-2, adding insult to injury.
Laporta has decided to take a stand against the decision. He has announced that the club will demand all video and audio recordings from the Spanish FA to investigate the matter. Should they find any evidence of a mistake, Barcelona will pursue “all available measures,” including legal action.
Laporta has even taken inspiration from a recent VAR error in Belgium’s Pro League and floated the possibility of a full replay. However, he acknowledges that such a drastic step faces legal hurdles, as a similar decision in Belgium was overturned.
This incident has reignited the debate surrounding the use of VAR in football. While Laporta appreciates the challenges faced by referees, he argues that VAR exists to make the game fairer, not introduce more controversy.
Barcelona manager Xavi has echoed Laporta’s sentiments, calling the lack of goal-line technology a “disgrace” compared to other leagues. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen labelled it “shameful for football.”
The disallowed goal overshadowed an otherwise thrilling match. Barcelona had taken the lead through Andres Christensen, but Real Madrid bounced back with goals from Vinicius Jr (penalty), Lucas Vazquez, and ultimately the winner by Jude Bellingham. The defeat leaves Barcelona cut adrift in second place, trailing their arch-rivals Real Madrid by 11 points in the La Liga title race.
