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

"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. 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."

Barcelona beat Real Betis 3-1 in La Liga, with a penalty awarded after Gavi was judged to have fouled Isco. VAR audio shows the referee was asked to review the decision to assess whether the penalty should be cancelled. The referee checked the footage and was told there was no offside. He described the moment as a race, saying Isco gained position, then Gavi came from behind and hit him with his leg while Isco’s foot was not yet planted. He concluded the foot got in the way and maintained the penalty call. Isco converted to make it 2-1, and Joao Cancelo later secured the win.

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