Tackle on Mbappé: Mateu Lahoz reveals the truth about VAR that has Spain shaking in their boots!
In a controversial incident during the Real Madrid-Espanyol clash last Saturday, Carlos Romero’s tackle on Kylian Mbappé sparked widespread outrage, and it has now led to a scathing critique from former LaLiga referee Mateu Lahoz. Lahoz, known for his candid opinions, did not hold back in addressing what he believes is a glaring mistake in refereeing and VAR implementation.
The tackle, which occurred when Romero, the Espanyol defender, went in hard from behind on Mbappé, was dangerous and violent. Despite the severity of the challenge, referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz only handed out a yellow card, a decision that baffled many, including the players, fans, and even the offending Romero himself. After the match, Romero admitted that it was a “terrible tackle,” acknowledging the reckless nature of the challenge.
The reaction from Real Madrid players was swift and vehement. They immediately surrounded the referee, calling for a more severe penalty, a natural response when such a dangerous challenge goes unpunished. The atmosphere at the stadium was tense as fans voiced their frustration, especially given the apparent leniency of the referee in the face of a potentially game-changing moment.
As the debate surrounding the tackle raged on, Mateu Lahoz, who has made a name for himself as an outspoken critic of the state of refereeing in Spain, shared his perspective on the incident. Speaking to Relevo, Lahoz expressed his disbelief at the yellow card decision, particularly in light of the role that VAR is supposed to play in preventing clear injustices on the field.
“This episode was difficult to understand. Very difficult,” Lahoz began, highlighting the shock that many felt after the decision. “VAR exists to avoid this kind of mistake, but in this case, it didn’t do much good.” Lahoz pointed out the immediate reaction from the players, noting that the anger and confusion displayed by the Real Madrid players was a clear indication of the injustice they felt. When players sense a wrong, their instinct is to protest, and that was exactly what transpired on the pitch.
Lahoz also took aim at the yellow card decision itself, calling it “inexplicable and incomprehensible.” He praised Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for handling the situation impeccably during his press conference but could not understand how such a decision was made. The former referee went further, arguing that the entire incident was emblematic of a deeper problem within the Spanish refereeing system.
For Lahoz, the issue goes beyond just one tackle or one match. He has been warning for the past 15 months that the Spanish refereeing system, particularly the Comité Técnico de Árbitros (CTA), has reached an impasse. According to Lahoz, the professional referees in Spain have access to state-of-the-art tools, such as VAR, but these tools are not being used to their full potential. The disparity between the professional referees and those in lower divisions, who have fewer resources, exacerbates the situation, leading to inconsistency and confusion across the board.
“Nobody understands how referees see football,” Lahoz remarked, explaining the disconnect between the technology available and the decisions being made on the field. “Despite all the sympathy and love for the profession, it is difficult to accept certain decisions.” This lack of understanding, Lahoz argues, undermines the credibility of Spanish football as a whole, creating frustration among fans, players, and coaches alike.
The core of Lahoz’s criticism lies with VAR, which was supposed to be the solution to the inconsistency in officiating. In this instance, VAR did not come to the aid of the players or correct the referee’s error. “VAR has a clear role: to prevent injustice,” Lahoz said. “But here it failed.” The former referee emphasized that while VAR is a useful tool, it is not a “miracle solution.” Referees must still maintain control over the match and make the final decisions. When that control falters, as in this case, the credibility of the entire system comes into question.
For Lahoz, the failure to use VAR properly in the Mbappé incident is part of a wider issue in Spanish football, where refereeing decisions often have a direct impact on the outcome of matches. In a league as competitive as La Liga, these decisions can tilt the balance of power and have lasting consequences on the standings. “These decisions change the course of matches,” Lahoz pointed out, stressing the importance of consistency and fairness in officiating.
The reaction from Real Madrid supporters has been equally vocal. On social media, fans have expressed their outrage over the incident, with many calling for a complete overhaul of the refereeing system in Spain. The frustration among Madridistas is palpable, and the Mbappé tackle has only intensified calls for reform. Some are even demanding an investigation into the VAR system and its application in this specific match.
Lahoz’s comments have sparked further debate about the state of refereeing in Spain, and the situation has drawn attention from across the footballing world. The debate is not just about one tackle but about a wider issue of accountability and transparency in the refereeing process. As La Liga moves forward, the pressure on the CTA to address these concerns will only intensify.
In the wake of Lahoz’s comments, it is clear that the Spanish football community is at a crossroads. The future of refereeing in the country depends on whether the CTA is willing to confront the systemic issues that have plagued the system and whether VAR can be used effectively to eliminate clear injustices like the one seen in the Mbappé tackle.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the incident has shaken Spanish football to its core, and the fallout may have lasting repercussions for both the league and its refereeing standards. Whether this will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on the officiating system, and the pressure is on for it to improve.