VAR audio ‘picks up suspicious “thank goodness” after Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid is ruled out for handball’
EL CLASICO has been rocked by a VAR controversy after an official appeared to say “thank goodness” during a goal review.
Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling LaLiga showdown on Sunday night.
The Catalan giants stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points with victory at the Nou Camp.
But the hosts were denied a fifth goal in stoppage time as Fermin Lopez‘s strike was chalked off for a handball in the build-up.
Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández was advised by VAR official Juan Martínez Munuera to review the footage on the pitchside monitor.
In audio released by RFEF, Munuera said: “Listen to me, Alex, we’ve just detected a handball, okay? Please come take a look.”
An unknown voice in the VAR room was then heard saying: “Given the height – thank goodness [menos mal]. Yes, yes, totally.”
Hernandez replied: “Okay, perfect. Let’s continue. It hits his hand, yes.
“The ball’s going out. Now give me a wide angle so I can see the entire action and how it ends.
“Okay, perfect. The hand is clearly raised. I’m going to disallow the goal.”
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Mundo Deportivo claim the ‘thank goodness’ comment “was not transcribed or subtitled by the RFEF” in the video released to the public.
It followed a match dogged by referee controversy, with Barca feeling stung by the decisions.
Kylian Mbappe appeared to be marginally offside before Madrid won a penalty early in the contest.
And the league leaders were fuming after Aurelien Tchouameni was not punished for handball in the area moments before Lopez’s strike.
Despite the controversy, Barcelona took control of the LaLiga title race with the 4-3 win.
Mbappe struck a hat-trick for Los Blancos, who had led 2-0 after just 14 minutes.
But Hansi Flick’s side stormed back with four goals before half time from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Barcelona will secure top spot as early as Wednesday night if Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.
Should Madrid win, Barcelona could win LaLiga the following day when they face Espanyol in the Catalan derby.