VAR audio of controversial Gavi penalty decision in Barcelona vs Real Betis released

· Yahoo Sports

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: (L-R) Gavi of FC Barcelona, Isco of Real Betis during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Betis at the Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday night in La Liga featured a rather bizarre decision as Gavi conceded a penalty for being vaguely near Isco.

The VAR audio of the incident has now been released and reveals why match referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández came to the decision in favor of Betis despite being asked to review his call by the VAR.

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VAR: “I recommend a review so you can assess a possible cancellation of the penalty you awarded.”

The referee then goes to the screen to watch the footage of the incident. He’s told there’s no offside and is shown Isco going for the ball again with Gavi.

“For me, this is in the race, when Isco is putting weight on his leg, that’s when Gavi comes from behind. Isco has gained position, he hits him with his leg,” says the referee.

“Therefore, I agree with the penalty, because there the foot gets in its way, it’s not yet planted. That’s the limit, I’m going with the penalty.”

It was a curious decision as it’s difficult to see any contact on the television footage. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also admitted after the match he was baffled by the decision, telling reporters: “I saw it, and in my opinion it’s not a penalty.”

The penalty was then converted by Isco to halve the deficit and make it 2-1. However, Joao Cancelo made the game safe five minutes later as Barca finished the season with a perfect home record in La Liga.

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