Spanish Refereeing Committee Addresses Controversy Over Arda Güler's Non-Expulsion
Spain's Technical Committee of Referees explained why VAR did not intervene following Arda Güler's controversial elbow incident involving Peque during Real Madrid vs Sevilla. According to the committee, none of the 23 cameras provided conclusive footage to recommend a red card.
The controversy surrounding Arda Güler's potential red card during the clash between Real Madrid and Sevilla continues to spark reactions across Spanish soccer.
Following protests from the Andalusian club over an alleged elbow by the Turkish midfielder on Peque, sources from Spain's Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) explained why VAR did not recommend reviewing the incident.
The incident occurred during the first half, with the score still tied at 0-0.
Although television footage showed contact between the two players, refereeing officials determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish whether an act of violent conduct had occurred.
The explanation comes after strong criticism from Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza, who questioned why Güler was allowed to remain on the field.
Why Couldn't Any of the 23 Cameras Provide Conclusive Evidence for VAR?
One of the most striking aspects of the controversy is that the match featured 23 television cameras positioned throughout the Santiago Bernabéu.
However, according to LaLiga sources cited by MARCA, only cameras capturing wide-angle shots managed to record the incident.
These included a camera positioned behind the goal, the Skycam, and another used to analyze potential offside situations.
The problem was that none provided enough detail to identify precisely where Güler's arm made contact with Peque.
Refereeing sources explained that it was impossible to determine whether the contact involved the shoulder, elbow, or hand, or to establish exactly which part of the opposing player's body was struck.
As a result, VAR did not find conclusive evidence to recommend an on-field review to the referee.
LaLiga Says VAR Received the Same Television Footage
Another important aspect of the explanation concerns the television production of the match.
According to the report, Global Futbol Production (GFP), the company responsible for LaLiga's broadcast production, provided the same footage to both the television broadcast and the VAR team led by Cuadra Fernández.
The sources consulted ruled out a production error, explaining that a closer camera angle of the incident simply did not exist.
Consequently, the controversy remains unresolved between those who believe Arda Güler should have received a red card and the CTA's interpretation that there was insufficient evidence to justify VAR intervention.
Key Takeaways
- The CTA explained why VAR did not recommend sending off Arda Güler.
- The controversy arose from an alleged elbow on Peque during Real Madrid vs Sevilla.
- None of the 23 cameras provided sufficiently clear footage.
- VAR could not determine precisely how the contact occurred.
- Cuadra Fernández was the official in charge of VAR.
- The refereeing committee maintained that VAR could not intervene without conclusive evidence.
