FC Barcelona won a memorable Clasico against Real Madrid (4-3) on Matchday 35 of La Liga. However, this spectacular victory, celebrated by millions of fans, took a dramatic turn after the release of an explosive audio recording. In this audio, an unexpected cry erupts from the VAR referee’s booth, immediately after Fermin Lopez’s 95th-minute goal was disallowed for alleged handball: “Thank God!”
🎧 The scandal is spreading at lightning speed
The recording was revealed by Diario Sport , and it only took a few hours for the audio to go viral on social media, sparking a wave of global outrage. Reactions were swift, and the hashtag #VARgate took Twitter by storm, as many fans wondered why a referee would thank God after disallowing a Barça goal in such a crucial situation.
💥 A shout that ignites debate
At first glance, this shout might seem harmless. But in reality, it raises profound questions about the possible bias of referees. Why would a member of the refereeing body react this way? Is it a simple exclamation of relief after avoiding a blatant error? Or is it a manifestation of a hidden bias in favor of Real Madrid? Doubts are looming, and this phrase, which should have remained in the shadows of the VAR booth, has become the starting point of a media storm.
🎙️ Experts react
Renowned former referee Iturralde Gonzalez didn’t mince his words: “Lopez’s handball is anything but clear. It’s not enough to disallow such a decisive goal.” Barça fans largely share his opinion, especially since a blatant handball by Tchouameni in the Madrid box a few minutes earlier was completely ignored. Fair treatment for all clubs seems to be in question.
🧨 A looming crisis
Faced with this controversy, sources close to the Catalan club have confirmed that Barça is considering requesting an official investigation from La Liga, or even UEFA. If this request is approved, it could trigger an unprecedented crisis, particularly in a league already marked by accusations of favoritism against certain historic clubs. This situation could well be the catalyst for a rethinking of the refereeing system in Spain.
⚽ A Clasico like no other
This match was anything but trivial. Barça’s victory allows the Catalan club to take a seven-point lead over Real Madrid, with only three matchdays remaining in the season. This setback is a blow to the Merengues, who recorded their fourth defeat against Barça this season, leaving the Whites’ season turning into a nightmare with 16 goals conceded and two trophies lost to their biggest rival.
😡 The shockwave on social media
The audio has set social media ablaze, with many now calling it a “VAR scandal.” Calls are circulating for the immediate suspension of the referees involved, and a section of the football community is demanding a clear explanation for the incident. While this cry of “Thank God!” was just the tip of a much deeper iceberg, the coming days could bring new revelations.
🎬 A new twist to come
According to internal leaks relayed by a Catalan journalist, other audio excerpts could be made public in the next 48 hours. FC Barcelona is preparing a special press conference this Wednesday to “reestablish the truth” and clarify the circumstances of the incident. The suspense is unbearable, and the entire Spa
