The VAR conversation behind the decision to overturn a penalty against Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni during the match against Racing Santander has revealed how referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero reached his final verdict.
The incident occurred in the 71st minute at El Sardinero, when Munuera initially awarded Racing a penalty for an alleged handball by Tchouameni.
However, an intervention from the VAR team led by Luis Mario Milla prompted the referee to review the footage at the pitchside monitor before reversing his decision.
The referee was advised to reconsider the penalty after the VAR team examined the incident. The communication from the VAR room was as follows:
"Jose Luis, I recommend you review the footage to consider cancelling the penalty you've awarded, please."
As Munuera made his way towards the monitor, he reassured Racing manager Jose Alberto that he would examine the incident.
"I'm going to have a look, Jose Alberto, I'm going to have a look. Jose Alberto, don't worry, I'm going to check it."
The referee then asked the VAR team to show him how the ball had been played before making his decision.
During the review, the VAR officials highlighted that Tchouameni had deliberately played the ball before it struck his hand. They explained their interpretation of the incident to the referee.
"Right, we can see that the Real Madrid player, Tchouameni, played the ball deliberately and it subsequently struck his hand; therefore, we consider this to be a 'play-in'."
Munuera requested another view, asking for the footage to be shown with greater visibility and for a longer duration.
After reviewing the moment repeatedly, he clarified the decisive detail with the VAR official.
"We understand, Luis Mario, that at no point did the Racing player touch the ball."
Tchouameni's penalty was overturned by the referee. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
When Milla confirmed that no Racing player had touched it, the referee explained his final decision.
"As only the Real Madrid player touched the ball and played it towards his hand, we consider that it is not a penalty because it is a 'play-in-play' situation.
"Therefore, I'm ruling no penalty; the ball is in the goalkeeper's hands."
Munuera's decision to overturn the spot-kick provoked a strong reaction from the home supporters, who had initially seen an opportunity for Racing to get back into the contest.
The frustration inside El Sardinero escalated, with one spectator even throwing a lighter onto the pitch.
The incident had a bitter reaction because of the match referee had awarded a penalty to Real Madrid earlier in the game, which Kylian Mbappe converted to make it 0-1.
