The Double Standard of VAR in LaLiga with the Penalties on Rüdiger and Koundé

The clear penalty by Christantus Uche on Jules Koundé not called in the Getafe-FC Barcelona (1-1) match continues to generate outrage in the azulgrana team. The play overlooked by the main referee Pablo González Fuertes and the VAR official, Francisco José Hernández Maeso, was very similar to an action that was indeed sanctioned as a penalty on December 1 in favor of Real Madrid, precisely against the 'azulón' team.

In the 28th minute of the match played at the Santiago Bernabéu (2-0), the main referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández sanctioned a hold by defender Allan Nyon on Antonio Rüdiger while the Madrid central defender was contesting a ball inside the area. The experienced franco-Cameroonian footballer held the German international with both arms, causing him to fall. Jude Bellingham took the penalty, scoring the first goal of what would be a comfortable 'merengue' victory.

On Saturday, Uche also held Koundé while the Barça central defender was trying to reach an aerial ball near the goal line. The direction of the ball left no doubt about the '23's options to continue an offensive play inside the Getafe area, but the referees deemed it a mutual struggle, a sufficient reason to let the play continue, sanctioning a goal kick.

The icing on the scandal: Yolanda Parga, wife of Megía Dávila, Real Madrid's delegate, was the appointed referee informant for the match, also being designated as the representative of the CTA in the Board of Directors of the RFEF, replacing Medina Cantalejo. After the match, Jules did not hide his frustration over the azulgrana draw, although he preferred not to comment on the penalty. "It's a shame, we had control of the match, but we were not accurate. I'm not going to comment on Uche's action", he said in front of the cameras of 'Movistar+'.

Madrid, undisputed leader of LaLiga in penalties awarded

After the thrashing against Las Palmas (4-1), Madrid closed matchday 20 of LaLiga as the leader of the tournament both in the overall standings and in the statistics of awarded penalties. The 'White House' has 9 penalties awarded and none against. In contrast, Barça has been awarded 4 penalties and 3 against so far in the 2024-25 season. Behind the 'merengues' is Villarreal, with 6 favorable penalties.