Why Kevin De Bruyne’s goal vs Real Madrid was not disallowed despite ball appearing to be out of play.
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In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kevin De Bruyne produced a moment of magic to score a sensational equaliser for Manchester City against Real Madrid. However, the goal was not without controversy, as the ball appeared to have gone out of play during the build-up.
The leveller was shrouded in controversy as Bernardo Silva stretched for Kyle Walker’s slightly over-hit pass on the right flank. Images from beIN Sports using 3D technology showed that the ball had gone out, but much to the anger of Real supporters, there was no intervention from VAR.
While VAR has become an integral part of football, it has its limitations. According to IFAB’s website, the video assistant referee may assist the referee only in the event of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or ‘serious missed incident’ in relation to goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. The ball going out of play on the sideline cannot be reviewed by VAR.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, confirmed that VAR doesn’t have the technology to check whether the whole of the ball even if there is a chip in the ball – as used for Japan’s winning goal against Spain in the World Cup. Therefore, even with the latest technology, it would not have been possible for VAR to overturn the goal.
Christina Unkel of CBS Sports reports that the ball going out was too far back in the phase of play for a VAR review to take place. Real regained possession before Rodri won the ball back for City, and the move finished with De Bruyne lashing home. Therefore, VAR could not have overturned the goal even if they had the technology to review it.
Pavel Fernandez, speaking on Radio MARCA’s ‘Marcador Europeo’ show, followed up with further details, stating that “VAR cannot review it because the English team’s attacking phase started later, after Camavinga had lost the ball, so VAR cannot review it that far back.”
🚨🚨 BeIN Sports have CONFIRMED with 3D technology that the ball was OUT of play. #rmalive pic.twitter.com/sQ9Y5P0g4C
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 9, 2023
The controversy did not end there as Carlo Ancelotti immediately appealed and was shown a yellow card for losing his head on the touchline. Real Madrid fans were left disappointed as they felt that the goal should have been ruled out.
Despite the controversy, both teams put on an impressive display of football, and the match ended in a draw. The two teams will go head-to-head once again next Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium, and it promises to be another exciting encounter.
Overall, while VAR has its limitations, it has helped to make the game fairer and more transparent. The technology has been widely accepted by football fans worldwide, and its use has helped to reduce the number of wrong decisions made by referees. However, it is essential to understand its limitations and use it only when necessary to ensure that the game remains fair and exciting for everyone involved.
