The VAR audio related to Fermin Lopez’s disputed red card from Barca vs Sevilla has been made public to clarify how the decision was reached. Officials upgraded the young midfielder’s yellow card to a red card after the VAR review determined the challenge to be dangerous. The call led to discussions between supporters and experts who doubted if the challenge deserved such severe consequences. The VAR audio release has deepened the debate over Lopez’s red card while providing additional details about the referee’s decision during Barca’s intense match with Sevilla.
VAR Review And Decision On Fermin Lopez’s Red Card
Fermín López was sent off with a red card in Barcelona’s La Liga game with Sevilla for a challenge after it was ruled on video review that a yellow card given at the time should have been a red card. Audio of the VAR conversation has since come out to explain the reasoning behind the call. VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande, in contact with the referee, Alejandro Jose Hernandez, told him to check it out with what he said “Alejandro, I recommend a review for a potential serious rough play.” He further added “I’m going to leave it for you in dynamics so you can see how he does the tackle and how he goes in with his leg high and his leg bends. And the speed he goes in. When you’re on the screen, I’ll leave it for you, you control it.”
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Referee’s Final Decision And Fermin Lopez’s Suspension
As the referee watched a replay of the challenge, the VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande explained the nature of the challenge, saying: “In our opinion, the leg gets trapped and twists, which is dangerous for the Sevilla player. Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez then reviewed the footage and upheld the decision, saying “Stop it at the moment when the ankle twists. Yes, with both legs in a scissors position. He comes in very hard, losing control of his body. That’s dangerous, perfect. I’m going to change the yellow number 16 for a red. Let’s go.” And, as a result, Fermin Lopez was dismissed and is also now said to be facing a one-game ban, which will keep him out of Barcelona’s next match against Rayo Vallecano.
