The latest round of major European leagues featured two highly contentious VAR decisions, particularly during West Ham vs. Arsenal and the Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is a breakdown of the key incidents and their correctness.
**Barcelona 2-0 Real Madrid**
**Incident:** In the 56th minute, Real Madrid appealed for a penalty after Jude Bellingham was struck in the face by a Barcelona defender inside the box during a challenge. The referee allowed play to continue, and the VAR official upheld the decision—both were incorrect.
**Analysis:** The ball was on the ground and both players were contesting for it. The Barcelona defender moved his arm, hitting Bellingham directly in the face and preventing him from continuing the contest. The hand movement was unnecessary; the defender is responsible for his actions and for raising his arm in such a manner during a ground-level duel. This should have resulted in a penalty for Real Madrid, with the defender receiving a yellow card for recklessness. The VAR official failed to properly analyze the situation and should have advised the referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
**West Ham 0-1 Arsenal**
**Incident:** In the 90+8th minute, West Ham scored a goal that was initially awarded by the referee—but the decision was incorrect.
**Analysis:** The ball came from a corner kick. Arsenal’s goalkeeper jumped to catch it but was impeded by a West Ham player who used his hand to prevent the keeper from securing possession. The ball then fell to a teammate who scored. This contact prevented the goalkeeper from completing the catch; he initially held the ball but lost it due to the interference. The VAR official correctly called the referee to the monitor, and after review, the goal was disallowed and a foul was given in favor of the Arsenal goalkeeper. This was the right decision.