VAR review: Cubarsi red changed Barça-Atléti. Was it deserved? - ESPN

Video assistant referee causes controversy every week whether it be the Premier League, Champions League or FA Cup, but how are decisions made and are they correct?

This season, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a Premier League matchday.

Referee: István Kovács
VAR: Christian Dingert

In the 43rd minute, Barcelona and Atlético were scoreless, playing 11 v 11. In the 44th minute, the hosts went down to 10. In the 45th minute, the visitors took a 1-0 lead.

The game changed when Pau Cubarsí was sent off, with Julián Álvarez scoring a delightful goal from the ensuing free kick. Atléti would add a second through Alexander Sørloth to seal a 2-0 win and set up a raucous return leg of this Champions League quarterfinal at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.

Time: 44 minutes
Incident: VAR overturn. Red card to Barcelona's Cubarsí.

What happened: Atlético midfielder Giuliano Simeone was seemingly through on goal when Cubasrí appeared to trip up his opponent. The on-field referee awarded the free kick as expected. However, he only produced a yellow card for the Barcelona defender.

VAR decision: VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

VAR review: VAR took his time to review this situation and had to consider the referee's