In the aftermath of Barcelona's defeat to Real Sociedad, a Spanish referee's conversation with Hansi Flick has been revealed, shedding light on the controversial offside call that denied Robert Lewandowski a goal. The referee insisted that the decision was correct and there was no foul play involved, despite Flick's protests. The close call, made with the assistance of VAR, sparked frustration and debate among fans, further highlighting the importance and impact of technology in modern-day football.
Background:
In a highly anticipated La Liga clash between Barcelona and Real Sociedad, a controversial offside call denied Robert Lewandowski a goal, sparking outrage among Barca fans. The incident occurred in the 69th minute when Lewandowski slipped past the Sociedad defense and fired home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed by the linesman, who judged the striker to be offside. The call was later confirmed by VAR, leaving Lewandowski and Barca furious.
Referee's Conversation:
After the match, a conversation between the referee, Carlos del Cerro Grande, and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick (who was observing the game) was revealed by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito. In the conversation, del Cerro Grande insisted that the offside call was correct and that there was no foul play involved.
Flick's Protest:
Flick, however, protested the decision, arguing that Lewandowski was obstructed by Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand. Flick also pointed out that Le Normand had used his hand to impede Lewandowski's run, which should have been deemed a foul.
VAR's Role:
The controversy highlights the increasingly prominent role of VAR in modern-day football. While VAR is intended to correct officiating errors, it can sometimes be subjective and lead to contentious decisions. In this case, the VAR officials agreed with the linesman's offside call, nonostante Flick's protests.
FAQs:
1. Was Lewandowski offside?
The linesman and VAR officials ruled that Lewandowski was offside by a few millimeters.
2. Did Le Normand commit a foul?
The referee did not consider Le Normand's contact with Lewandowski to be a foul.
3. Was the decision fair?
Opinions vary on whether the offside call was fair. Some believe it was a correct application of the offside rule, while others argue that the decision was harsh.
4. What is the future of VAR in football?
VAR is still a relatively new technology in football, and its use is likely to evolve over time. The incident between Barcelona and Real Sociedad highlights the potential for controversy when subjective decisions are made with the assistance of technology.
5. What impact did the decision have on the match?
Barcelona went on to lose the match 1-0, and the disallowed goal could have potentially changed the outcome.
The Daily Mail Sport team provides live coverage of Arsenal's Premier League match against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. Despite Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the league, they struggle to break through the defense of one of the worst teams in Premier League history, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory.
During Lionel Messi's recent visit to Kolkata as part of his GOAT India Tour, chaos broke out at Salt Lake Stadium as disappointed and agitated fans began destroying property when they were unable to properly see the Argentinian soccer legend. The event organiser has been arrested and an inquiry committee set up by the Chief Minister to investigate the incident. Despite the chaos, Messi's next stop in Hyderabad is expected to go as planned.
Lionel Messi's highly anticipated India tour has reached its second day as the Argentinian star forward heads to Mumbai. Fans can expect an action-packed day as Messi is set to take part in the Padel Cup and a football match with celebrities. A charity event and an appearance at the Wankhede Stadium are also on the schedule. The tour had a rocky start in Kolkata, with chaos ensuing when fans couldn't catch a glimpse of Messi, but ended on a positive note in Hyderabad with a football match with fans and the state's CM.
Despite a late equaliser from Wolves, Arsenal managed to secure a 2-1 win thanks to a second own goal in the 94th minute. However, manager Mikel Arteta was critical of his team's performance, branding certain aspects as "unacceptable" and "horrible". The win extends Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, but their defensive mistakes against the league's bottom club raise concerns for the manager.
In a nail-biting match, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka played a pivotal role in securing a 2-1 win against Wolves. After previously conceding late goals in other matches, Saka was relieved to be on the other end this time, scoring an own goal and contributing to the winner. Despite the tense ending, the team showed resilience and determination, a trait that Saka praised before looking ahead to their next match against Everton.
In a press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his summer signing Viktor Gyokeres against critics after a lackluster performance in a 2-1 win against Wolves. Despite an opportunity to score against the Premier League's bottom side, Gyokeres could not convert any of his five touches. Arteta and others point to the need for better service, but this is not the first time the striker has failed to make an impact for Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed rumors of selling Gabriel Jesus and has declared him as the team's first-choice striker. With the Brazilian international nearing the end of his contract and competition from other strikers, Arteta's statement comes as a relief for fans. Meanwhile, Arteta has also commented on the role of club captain Martin Odegaard, who faces tough competition from Eberechi Eze for a spot in the team.
Arsenal's rising star Gabriel Martinelli continues to make history as the first player in the club's history to score in five consecutive Champions League matches. In a stunning display, Martinelli scored the third goal for Arsenal against Club Brugge, securing their victory. This impressive performance solidifies Martinelli's position as one of Arsenal's most promising players and has fans eagerly anticipating his future success.
Mikel Arteta expressed his gratitude for Arsenal's late surge in a crucial victory over Wolves. Despite a rocky start, the Gunners managed to find a way to win, with some impressive performances from star players. Arteta also gave credit to Wolves for putting up a tough fight, making the win all the more satisfying for Arsenal fans. The coach also shared his admiration for Gyokeres, whose contribution made Arsenal a stronger team on the field.
As Arsenal prepares to face Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, manager Mikel Arteta must navigate suspensions, fitness doubts, and careful minutes planning. With the visit of Wolves providing an opportunity to consolidate their position in the Premier League, the predicted lineup reveals how Arteta sees this important phase of the season. William Saliba's potential absence highlights Arsenal's reliance on versatile defenders and the potential deployment of a technical, possession-oriented trio in midfield against a defensively sound Wolves side.