“Gerard Martín had to be sent off. This is stated by the CTA in the analysis of the play in ‘Review Time’.” The organization corrects Busquets Ferrer and Melero López in their decision to downgrade the action between Gerard Martín and Almada from red to yellow: “For the CTA this is serious rough play without it being relevant who touches the ball first. The correct disciplinary sanction must be a red card.”
It was the great controversy of the last Atlético de Madrid-Barcelona League. Gerard Martín initially saw the red card for a challenge on Thiago Almada. However, a moment later he was called by the VAR to review his decision. After viewing the images, the referee decided to annul the direct expulsion and leave the sanction on a yellow card.
This Tuesday, before the Champions League match, the CTA published its ‘Review Time’ video, analyzing, among other actions, the Atlético-Barcelona controversy with the play between Gerard Martín and Aldama. The RFEF explains the play and agrees with Atlético de Madrid: “The fact that the player reaches the ball first does not nullify the possibility of engaging in reckless, reckless or serious abrupt play,” says Marta Frías, Spokesperson for the CTA.
Furthermore, he adds: “The referee initially made the correct decision as it was a ball clearly in dispute by both players. The CTA considers that The VAR did not have to intervene as it was a well-rated live action“.