Diego Simeone comes in defense of Real Madrid over VAR bias

Real Madrid have found an unexpected ally in Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone, who was clear enough in saying that the high number of decisions that have appeared to have gone Real Madrid’s way is specifically due to their frequency of attacks, rather than any refereeing bias.

FC Barcelona have made criticized VAR and referees in recent weeks, with president Josep Bartomeu suggesting that the technology favors or benefits ‘one team’ with respect to two decisions that went in Los Blancos’ favor in their win against Athletic Club.

Post the Catalans' victory over Villareal, Bartomeu said, 

“VAR isn’t at the level that everyone wanted. Post-lockdown, there have been lots of games that haven’t been even and where the same team has been favored and many teams have been unlucky. VAR has to help the referee. During the last few games, everyone has seen the images where the VAR hasn’t been used well.”

Gerard Pique too has allegations regarding to refereeing decisions in La Liga this season. Madrid beat Athletic Club because of a Sergio Ramos penalty and they beat Getafe in a similar way too. 

Simeone openly denied reports of the system being rigged to suit his team’s rivals and gave a pretty straight forward explanation in Madrid’s defense.

He said, “VAR exposes everything. Before we didn’t have the possibility of seeing some things that we now see. The referees are people who can be wrong as well. It is fairer. If they give you more penalties, it’s because you are in the opposition’s area more. If they attack more, like Real Madrid, it means you are there longer. In the speed of the game, it’s difficult to see what happens but now another referee sees it with calmness on television. People too, from their homes.”

He later said that VAR can hurt you or help you but moreover it exposes you. 

As things stand, Real Madrid are four points clear at the top and three more wins will confirm them as the title-winners, their first title since 2017. 

featured image credits- sportstar.thehindu.com