The match between Athletic Club and Barcelona was marked not only by the Basques’ high intensity and aggressive play but also by a controversial incident involving Dani Olmo. The Barcelona midfielder was the victim of a harsh foul by Athletic’s defender Rego, who delivered a forceful challenge to Olmo’s Achilles tendon.
Former referees analyzing the game argued that the foul should have resulted in a direct red card. Nonetheless, the on-field referee issued only a yellow card, and VAR official Valentín Pizarro did not call for a review, allowing play to continue without a harsher sanction.
This decision provoked criticism of the VAR system, with experts pointing out that such calls undermine trust in fair officiating. Athletic’s aggressive approach put Barcelona under pressure not only tactically but also physically, with the possibility of injury.
The handling of the incident highlights the need for improved VAR protocols and clearer guidelines, to prevent such contentious situations and uphold the integrity of the sport.
