VAR audio explains the decision to overturn the penalty for Tchouaméni’s handball

The VAR sequence involving Aurélien Tchouaméni’s handball in Racing-Real Madrid reveals the discussion that led to the penalty awarded to Racing being overturned. In the second half, with Real Madrid leading 3-0, the video officials recommended an on-field review. The match was part of the 11th round of Liga.

From the video room, Luis Mario Milla asked José Luis to review the incident and assess whether the penalty should be cancelled. As he walked towards the monitor, the referee reassured Racing coach José Alberto: “I’m going to look at it, José Alberto, I’m going to look at it.” At the screen, he then asked to see how the ball was played.

The video room said Tchouaméni, a Real Madrid player, had deliberately played the ball before it struck his hand. The referee asked to see the footage again, including a brighter image and a longer angle. He then concluded that the Racing player had not touched the ball. The final decision was no penalty, with the ball returned to the goalkeeper.

The decision angered the crowd at the Sardinero; a lighter was thrown onto the pitch. There had already been another penalty decision in the match: in the first half, Munuera Montero awarded a penalty for slight contact by Prati on Mbappé, with no VAR review, and Real Madrid went ahead 1-0. The Madrid side eventually won 3-0 in Santander, a week after its Clasico victory. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomandé scored, leaving Real Madrid three units behind FC Barcelona.

The match also produced an incident away from the officiating. In the second half, a mis-hit shot by Tchouaméni struck a child in the stands. The midfielder apologised and gave him his shirt. “It was only a bit of a scare,” the child’s father, Maximo’s father, said. He praised the player’s gesture and the way Real Madrid had treated the family, adding that they had taken photos with almost the whole team. Mbappé joined them and joked: “It’s Tchouaméni’s fault, he doesn’t know how to shoot.”

Mundo Deportivo reports that Sardinero supporters mocked Real Madrid with a chant associated with refereeing controversies on the team’s away matches. The video sequence brings the officials’ explanation for denying Racing a penalty back into focus.