What is the point of VAR?, Solari fumes after Real Madrid home loss

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari was left fuming and questioning the point of video technology (VAR) in the La Liga on Sunday.

His anger was after his side were not awarded what looked a clear penalty kick during their shock 2-0 loss at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

With Real Madrid trailing 1-0 in the second half, teenage Brazilian Vinicius Jr. fell over the arm of outstretched goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the area.

But referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero neither awarded a penalty kick nor consulted the technology.

“If VAR is not used in a play like that, then it loses the whole point of its existence,” a furious Solari told a news conference.

“We are all human and we all make mistakes. But when you have the chance to look over the evidence again and you do not, it’s difficult to understand.”

The technology, which was hailed as a success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, has been in use in Spain’s top flight since the start of this season.

According to protocol, the VAR operators are only supposed to inform the referee and ask for a play to be reviewed if the official has made an “obvious mistake.”

Real Madrid were also denied a penalty kick in the first half when captain Sergio Ramos collided with Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

“I thought the first incident was a possible penalty kick, but I give the benefit of the doubt to the referee and to VAR. But the second one is a penalty kick every day of the week,” added Solari.

Real Madrid went on to suffer a sixth league defeat of the season which left them fifth in the standings after 18 games.

It almost certainly ended their hopes of catching La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.

Real Sociedad took the lead in the third minute with a penalty kick from Willian Jose.

Midfielder Ruben Pardo sealed the points with a late header after Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez was sent off for a second yellow card.

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno also said he struggled to comprehend how the penalty kick was not given.

“We are always very respectful towards referees and we are in favour of VAR, but we do not understand this incident,” he added.

“It looks like the VAR was not consulted in this play. The referee did not give the penalty kick and then the play continued. We sincerely cannot understand it. It was a critical moment in the game.

“The referee doesn’t have to be perfect. VAR was introduced for moments like this and it wasn’t consulted. So, why do we have it?”