Following Atlético Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League by city rivals Real Madrid, club president Enrique Cerezo has strongly criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The controversy stems from a disallowed penalty taken by Atlético forward Julián Álvarez during the decisive shootout.
Álvarez slipped while taking his penalty, unintentionally striking the ball twice—once with his kicking foot and again with his standing foot. Although the ball went into the net, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal, citing the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rule that prohibits a penalty taker from touching the ball twice before another player makes contact.
Expressing his frustration, Cerezo stated, “VAR was supposed to bring fairness to the game, but instead, it has become a tool that harms teams.” He went further, calling the system “unjust and disastrous for football.”
Cerezo also responded to remarks made by former Atlético and current Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who accused Atlético of portraying themselves as victims. The Atlético president dismissed Courtois’ comments, insisting that the Belgian should be grateful to his former club and “keep quiet.”
Despite his criticism, Cerezo admitted that nothing could be done to overturn the match’s outcome. He urged fans to remain patient, acknowledging the difficulty of challenging such decisions after the fact.
The incident has reignited debates about the effectiveness and fairness of VAR. While technology is intended to improve accuracy in officiating, its application continues to divide opinions within the football community. As discussions over VAR’s role in the game persist, questions remain about whether it truly benefits football in its current form.
