LaLiga VAR referee for Real Madrid vs Getafe suspended

LaLiga comes down hard on referee of Real Madrid vs Getafe

Europe 06 March 2026 at 15:03

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LaLiga VAR referee for Real Madrid vs Getafe suspended

Valentin Pizarro Gomez, the VAR referee for Real Madrid vs Getafe, is at the center of controversy following Antonio Rüdiger's incident during Real Madrid's match against Getafe (0-1). He has now been sanctioned.

Antonio Rüdiger found himself embroiled in controversy after striking his opponent in the face with his knee as he fell to the ground. Although Diego Rico did not suffer a serious injury, he was visibly writhing in pain.

How did VAR miss this? 🟥🤐

Footage shows Antonio Rüdiger appearing to deliberately stomp his knee into Diego Rico’s face while he was on the floor. No card. No review.@ArchivoVAR calls it a "CLEAR RED."pic.twitter.com/9a5gyHrMUh
— CUPID FC (@CUPID_FC) March 2, 2026

However, the referee on the pitch did not issue any card, and VAR did not intervene at all. According to El Chiringuito, the VAR official for this match has been sidelined for an indefinite period starting next matchday. Pizarro Gómez will officiate as planned this week, as his appointment was made before the controversy erupted.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.