VAR audio from Atletico vs Real Madrid derby reveals what referees said over controversial calls

The Technical Referees’ Committee (CTA) has released the VAR audio from the controversial incidents that took place during Atletico Madrid’s derby against Real Madrid. The recordings detail the two reviews conducted by match referee Ortiz Arias regarding Cristian Romero, Jude Bellingham, and Dean Huijsen. The first incident involved a case of mistaken identity, where Romero inadvertently stepped on Bellingham.

Initially, the referee had penalized Bellingham with a yellow card, but the VAR team recommended a review as they believed Romero might have been wrongly identified as the offender. Following further review, Ortiz Arias acknowledged the mistake and rescinded the yellow card, issuing one to Romero instead. The second incident involved Huijsen's challenge on Giuliano Simeone, which resulted in a penalty and a red card for the Atletico player.

The VAR official, Trujillo Suarez, explained that the challenge was a clear goal-scoring opportunity, leading to the change in the referee's assessment. However, the audio does not provide any information regarding VAR's decision not to intervene during Kang-in Lee's challenge on Federico Valverde, leaving that aspect of the derby controversy unexplained.