Barcelona’s emphatic victory over Real Betis was overshadowed by a highly controversial VAR decision that led to the home side’s fifth goal.
The spotlight fell firmly on a handball call against former Barça defender Marc Bartra.
The incident unfolded in the 54th minute when a powerful shot from Marcus Rashford struck Bartra’s arm inside the area, prompting immediate protests from the Betis players.
What was discussed?
Referee Hernandez Maeso was swiftly alerted by the VAR team, led by Galician official Javier Iglesias Villanueva.
The instruction from the VOR room was – “Fran, I recommend you review this to assess a potential penalty for handball.”
What followed was an intense review process that has since fuelled widespread debate.
As the referee walked towards the pitch-side monitor, he was heard addressing someone from the Betis camp, stating twice – “If it doesn’t hit your hand, it’s clear.”
The VAR officials then guided him through the incident with precision. “In the image, you will see the shot on goal,” Iglesias explained, to which Hernandez Maeso replied, “I’m in front of the screen.”
🗣 AUDIO REVISIÓN VAR
🗓 Jornada 15 | Primera División
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The VAR official continued, “Since Bartra has his arm up at all times and after hitting him on the leg, he hits him on the arm, he’s taking up space. Okay, I’ll leave it to you.”
The referee requested further angles, saying, “Okay, perfect. Give me an image from the other side, please. Okay, from the other goal.”
After reviewing the footage from multiple angles, Hernandez Maeso reached his final verdict.
“Listen to me, it’s a shot. It’s punishable because Bartra is throwing himself with his arm up from the start, so he’s taking up space from the very beginning.
“Therefore, even if there’s a rebound off the leg, it’s still punishable and it’s a penalty, OK? Penalty without a card.”
According to the interpretation later clarified, the decisive factor was the position of Bartra’s arm at the exact moment of Rashford’s strike.
The Betis defender already had his arm extended in what was deemed an unnatural position.
Even though the ball made contact with his leg before striking the arm, that initial arm placement removed any argument of unintentionality.