‘The VAR Was Asleep’: Mourinho Angry Over Cancelo Foul in El Clasico

A refereeing decision has sparked controversy in El Clasico. In the 60th minute, Joao Cancelo recklessly challenged Yan Diomande, but the referee let it pass.

Barcelona and Real Madrid met in the tenth round of La Liga. Controversy over refereeing decisions is not unusual in matches between the two sides, and it happened again this time. In the 60th minute, Portuguese footballer Cancelo barged forcefully into Diomande.

But the referee showed no reaction. He did not even show a yellow card. The challenge was serious enough that at least a yellow card could have been considered, but the referee decided not to intervene and let play continue without any disciplinary action.

Real coach Jose Mourinho, however, sees no fault in the referee. He pointed the finger at the VAR instead. In his view, it was an incident worthy of sending Cancelo off the field.

Mourinho said: “The referee conducted a great match. But in the 60th minute, the VAR was asleep, and a red card should have been given for the foul on Diomande.”