VAR and the 2019 Barcelona vs Lyon Champions League Match: Analyzing the Controversial Penalty Call
In the 2019 UEFA Champions League match between Barcelona and Lyon, a penalty decision by the referee was met with controversy. This article aims to analyze the incident through the lens of both football fans and football referees to determine whether the call was correct. Given my experience as a long-time football fan and a former referee, I will use my expertise to provide an objective and professional analysis.
The Incident and the Video Review
During the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Barcelona faced Lyon. The match gained notoriety when Lionel Messi's teammate, Luis Suarez, appeared to be fouled by Lyon's Jason Denayer, leading to a penalty kick being awarded against Lyon. However, upon reviewing the video footage, it became clear that Suárez had inadvertently stepped on Denayer, which resulted in no foul or penalty.
Former Barcelona star Suárez himself admitted as much in an interview:
I think I’m the one who steps on him accidentally and when I step on him he throws me off balance a little bit. Then there’s the referee who can call it or not.
The Role of Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
The VAR system, introduced to enhance the accuracy of referee decisions, plays a crucial role in ensuring referees make the correct calls. According to the Laws of the Game, one of the key mandates is that the review should provide conclusive evidence that the call on the field should either be confirmed or overturned. There should be minimal grey area; if a review is even partially inconclusive, the original call should stand.
Analysis of the Decision
Upon reviewing the video, the decision does not provide conclusive evidence that a foul or penalty should have been awarded. Suarez's initial contact with Denayer was a slip, followed by a mutual loss of balance. While Denayer fell, it does not indicate an intentional foul. Therefore, the original decision by the referee to award a penalty should be overturned.
Controversies in football often lead to discussions about the reliability of VAR. However, it's essential to note that VAR systems are designed to minimize such controversies and ensure that the correct decisions are made.
Impact on the Match and the Overall Series
The incorrect penalty call did not significantly impact the match or the aggregate score. Barcelona won the match 5-1, and the first leg being a draw resulted in an overall 5-1 aggregate victory for Barcelona in the series. Despite the outcome, getting the call right is crucial for ensuring a fair and just result.
Conclusion
The VAR system in football is a tool designed to improve the accuracy and fairness of referee decisions. While every system has its flaws, in the vast majority of cases, VAR has helped ensure that the correct decisions are made. The incorrect call in this instance should not "blame" the VAR itself but rather the specific decision made in that moment.
As a football fan and former referee, it's crucial to respect and support the evolving nature of football officiating. While controversies will always occur, they are opportunities to learn and improve the system for future matches.
Ultimately, while this decision was wrong, it is an isolated incident, and the overall impact on the match and the series was minimal.