Real Madrid scored two goals against Mallorca to win 2-1 at home, but Los Blancos scored three other goals that were disallowed. Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in the first half that were disallowed for offside.
The third goal that was disallowed for Real Madrid was an Arda Guler goal from inside the box. The VAR checked the play for a handball, and the replay shows the ball hit the Turkish midfielder’s arm.
Guler appears to protect his chest with his arm with no intention to touch the ball with his arm, but the rebound led to a mistake from Leo Roman. Guler then placed the ball into the net, but VAR decided to disallow the goal for the handball.
The handball rule has been criticized over the past few years, and many believe that the VAR made the wrong decision, especially Xabi Alonso. The Real Madrid manager appeared to talk with the referee after the match.
Alonso was asked about Guler’s disallowed goal and didn’t want to challenge the decision, but wanted to leave a message to the officials in charge of the VAR.
Xabi Alonso Gives Bold Opinion on VAR
During the post-match press conference, Alonso was asked about his thoughts on Guler’s disallowed goal in the second half. Alonso revealed that the 4th official gave his version as to why the goal was disallowed.
Xabi Alonso: “The 4th official was saying it had to be an immediate play. It’s the interpretation the referee makes. Mine was different. […] He’s the one in charge.”
Xabi Alonso gave his opinion on the way VAR is used in Spain and wants changes made in terms of deciding what to do in certain plays. The Spanish manager does not want referees to overanalyze certain situations.
Xabi Alonso: “These are mistakes that should not happen, and we will see what happens later, but we need to improve the use of video technology excessively and correctly. We don’t need to re-referee everything, but we need to use it properly.”
