Controversy after Barça-Real: a VAR remark sparks scandal! (Video)

The venerable Clasico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid (4-3) was once again marred by controversial refereeing decisions.

Indeed, an audio exchange between the main referee and his video assistants, released Monday by the Spanish federation, has ignited a heated controversy.

On Sunday, May 11, Barça mounted a spectacular comeback, overturning a 0-2 deficit to lead 4-2 before halftime against a struggling Real Madrid. This victory puts the Catalans in a strong position in the title race.

"Thank God": the outburst that has Spain up in arms!

However, a late-game incident cast a shadow over their performance: Fermín López's goal was disallowed after a VAR review for handball.

That's when a remark from inside the VAR booth caused an uproar: "Menos mal," meaning "Thank God." The moment on video:

This exclamation, audible during the review, is fueling suspicions about the refereeing team's impartiality.

Was it simply relief at catching an infraction and preventing a mistake? Or was it a biased reaction in favor of Real Madrid?

The author of the phrase hasn't been identified, but the incident is reigniting already tense relations between the Madrid club and Spanish refereeing. A new saga is unfolding.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.