VAR audio details the review that led to Vinicius’s dismissal

“I recommend a review so you can assess possible violent conduct in the build-up to the goal”: that was the message VAR officials gave Díaz de Mera in audio made public by the Federation concerning Vinicius’s dismissal.

As the referee checked the screen, the officials set out what they said they had observed: “From what we can see, Vinicius pulls the Villarreal player’s hair.” Díaz de Mera replied: “Perfect, I’ve seen it.”

The video officials then explained that the incident belonged to “the same phase of the build-up to the goal”. After reviewing the images, Díaz de Mera announced his decision: “For me, I’m going to restart with a foul and a red card for number 7 of the home team.”

The recording captures the exchange as the incident was reviewed: the recommendation to check the footage, the officials’ description of what they saw, and the referee’s announcement of the restart and dismissal.