VAR audio on Vinícius’ sending-off is revealed

The recording of the video assistant referees’ exchanges over the sending-off of Vinícius Júnior, the Real Madrid star, has been revealed. The incident came against Villarreal on matchday eight of La Liga: the player was accused of pulling Saliba’s hair in the 71st minute.

Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera checked the monitor after being alerted by Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz in the VAR room. In the reported exchange, Muñiz Ruiz advises him to review the incident to assess whether there was violent conduct during the phase that led to the goal. Díaz de Mera replies: “Alex, let Poli speak, because your voice keeps cutting out.” Pulido Santana then steps in: “Let us know when you get to the screen, Isi.”

At the monitor, Díaz de Mera hears the video team describe a hair pull on a Villarreal player and say the act belongs to the same phase as the goal. He then asks for a wide shot to establish where that phase ends. A voice in the room says the action warrants a red card.

After watching the full footage, the referee gives his decision: “Alex, Poli, for me, I’ll restart play with a foul and show a red card to the number 7 player of the home team, okay?” The video team replies, “Okay,” and Díaz de Mera then sends off Vinícius Júnior.