Soto Grado and VAR Overlook Clear Foul on Koundé Before Girona’s 2-1 Goal
In a recent match, Barcelona faced Girona in a controversial game that brought VAR decisions into the spotlight. The incident that caught attention occurred when the score was tied at 1-1. Barcelona’s defender, Jules Koundé, suffered a clear foul from Girona’s Echeverri, which went unnoticed by the match officials.
Soto Grado’s Controversial Decisions
The referee, Soto Grado, failed to call a foul after Koundé was clearly stepped on, leaving him in pain on the ground. As the play continued, the ball found its way to Fran Beltrán, who scored, putting Girona ahead 2-1.
Lack of VAR Intervention
Despite the robust protests from Barcelona players and coaching staff, both Soto Grado and the VAR official, David Gálvez, chose not to review the incident. While Koundé remained on the ground, the play was not halted for a VAR check, causing frustration among the Barcelona ranks.
- Incident Timeline:
- Koundé steps on during a dispute with Echeverri.
- Play continues as Girona scores after the foul.
- VAR and referee overlook the clear foul.
Reactions and Analysis
The decision sparked outrage among Barcelona supporters, who were left wondering how such a notable foul could be ignored. César Barrenechea Montero, a referee analyst for Mundo Deportivo, remarked, “Clear stomp. That goal should not have counted.” The consensus among observers was that the foul was evident, yet the officials did not agree.
This incident has reignited discussions on VAR effectiveness in crucial game moments, especially regarding clear fouls being missed during pivotal plays. The Barcelona-Girona match serves as a notable example of the ongoing debate surrounding officiating in football.
