The latest controversy in Spanish football centers on arbitration after a midweek match between Atlético de Madrid and Espanyol ended in a 2-3 draw. The Spanish federation faced questions over the decision that led to Griezmann’s goal, with critics arguing the ball did not fully cross the line and that the VAR evidence used to validate the goal was insufficient. The federation asserted that no conclusive footage supported overturning the on-field call, and, given the absence of compelling evidence, the ruling stood as issued during the match.
Espanyol has requested a formal review seeking the nullification of the match result and has filed a complaint with the league body, alleging negligence by the refereeing team and the VAR officials appointed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Full text of RCD Espanyol statement
Following the game against Atlético de Madrid, Espanyol submitted a formal request to the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) for the footage or sequence that would substantiate the awarding of Atlético’s second goal. The club disputed the correction of the referee’s decision by VAR and noted that, according to the regulation, a change to an arbitral decision requires a convincing and indisputable image that confirms the error.
Earlier today, the club received a response from the VAR project lead, Mr. Carlos Clos Gómez. He stated that, under current rules, images or conversations from the VOR room cannot be released, but confirmed that the clip used to annul the referee’s decision and validate Atlético’s second goal was the television feed known as the spider cam.
Based on these points, Espanyol outlined the following:
1.- The sole image used to award the goal offers a perspective that cannot definitively show whether the ball crossed the line. Independent analyses available to the club and third parties indicate that the ball did not fully cross the line at any point.
2.- The approach in question appears to contravene VAR protocol by correcting an on-field decision without conclusive proof. This is viewed as a misapplication of the rules and technology, resulting in damage to Espanyol’s competitive standing and sporting prospects from that match.
3.- The club believes a new precedent is emerging this week, inviting questions about how league authorities may influence decisions traditionally settled on the field and by VAR. A recent match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid prompted the league committee to intervene in VAR usage, describing it as biased and decisive in a referee’s error, which led to the reversal of a red card. Espanyol argues that similar scrutiny should have applied in the current case, and in a prior fixture at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium where a goal by Sevilla FC was deemed valid after a foul on Espanyol’s Bryan Oliván, with the on-field referee lacking a clear VAR view of the foul.
4.- In light of these concerns, Espanyol asserts that its rights have been harmed and intends to challenge the outcome. The club is exploring potential additional legal actions to address any financial consequences stemming from the decision. It stresses that it does not deny the existence of human refereeing error intrinsic to sports; rather, it alleges gross negligence by the officiating team and the VAR referees appointed by the federation, asserting a manifest error that caused irreparable damage to the club both on the field and financially.
Espanyol argues that it is incompatible to celebrate the league’s high standards while showing a partial and biased use of technology that is not up to the task. The goal is to uphold the integrity of the competition and the fairness of officiating—a standard many fans demand.
Note: This account reflects Espanyol’s view of the events and the formal responses issued within the dispute.
Note: The situation remains under review by the relevant bodies as both clubs await further clarifications on how the technology and match officiating will be evaluated going forward.