Barça: here’s why Gerard Martín escaped a red card

Controversy surrounds a VAR-overturned sending off

Europe 05 April 2026 at 02:56

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Barça: here’s why Gerard Martín escaped a red card

04.04.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

Barcelona

The clash between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona in LaLiga was marked by a major refereeing controversy.

Early in the second half, Gerard Martín was involved in a challenge deemed dangerous. Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer did not hesitate to brandish a straight red card at first. However, the situation was quickly reviewed thanks to VAR.

🖥️💥 Bold intervention by VAR at the Metropolitano.

👉🏻 Gerard Martín makes a controlled clearance and, in the process, steps on Almada’s ankle, who had entered his area of influence.

✅ 𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗗.

▪️ According to the CTA, these actions are only worthy of a yellow card. pic.twitter.com/f0xVfXAByZ
— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) April 4, 2026

After reviewing the footage, it became clear that the Barça player had actually gotten the better of his opponent before contact was made. Following this analysis, the referee overturned his initial decision and downgraded the red card to a simple caution. A decision that is already sparking debate and could have changed the course of the match had it stood.