Major refereeing scandal! CAT delivers verdict to officiating crew of Atlético vs Barcelona match for overturning Gerard Martin's red card

Barcelona should have been reduced to 10 men.

Details: According to Archivo Var, today the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) decided to declare the actions of the main referee, Busquets Ferreira, during the La Liga matchday 30 clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona as improper.

The controversy centers on an incident where Barcelona’s Gerard Martin made a reckless challenge against Atlético’s Thiago Almada. The referee immediately showed Martin a straight red card. However, after VAR official Melero Lopez advised Busquets to review the footage, the red card was rescinded and Gerard Martin remained on the pitch, receiving only a yellow card.

The Committee noted that VAR referee Melero Lopez had no right to contact the main referee or question Martin’s dismissal, as the referee’s decision was final and not subject to review according to the regulations.

The CTA also stated that the primary error was not Busquets Ferreira’s ultimate decision to overturn the red card, but rather the intervention by the VAR official in this episode. As a result, VAR referee Melero Lopez will receive the heaviest suspension.

As for main referee Busquets Ferreira, his punishment will be somewhat lighter.

Reminder: Scandal in the Atlético vs Barcelona match. The referee sent off Gerard Martin, but then overturned his decision