Referee’s Controversial Decision in Spanish Super Cup Final

During the Spanish Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which ended in a 2-5 victory for Barcelona, referee Jesus Gil Manzano made a controversial decision in the 67th minute. The official failed to issue a second yellow card to Vinicius Junior for a dangerous tackle on Jules Kounde’s Achilles tendon.

Had Vinicius received the yellow card, it would have resulted in his dismissal from the game, as he had already been cautioned in the 55th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, due to the referee’s oversight, the Brazilian forward was allowed to continue playing.

It’s worth noting that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system could not intervene in this situation, as it involved the non-issuance of a yellow card by Gil Manzano. VAR is typically limited to reviewing more severe incidents or potential red card offenses.

This decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, raising questions about the consistency of officiating in high-stakes matches. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by referees in making split-second decisions during fast-paced games, even with the assistance of technology.