VAR Under Fire in Spain After Elche Denied Penalty

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Elche's 0-0 draw with Villarreal was marred by controversy after the VAR did not award a penalty for a clear shirt pull on player Roy Rabibo. Spanish media criticized the VAR's decision, with "AS" stating VAR saved Villarreal. Elche coach Martín Anselmi expressed confusion over the ruling, which contradicts football regulations regarding shirt pulls in the penalty area.

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VAR did not award Elche a penalty for a clear shirt pull on Roy Rabibo against Villarreal.
Spanish media outlet "AS" criticized VAR, stating it "saved Villarreal" from a penalty.
Elche coach Martín Anselmi was confused by the VAR decision, believing it should have been a penalty.
Football regulations allow VAR intervention for unawarded penalties and clear shirt pulls.
The match between Elche and Villarreal ended in a 0-0 draw.

Elche secured a valuable away point in a 0-0 draw against Villarreal on Saturday, but the team left the match feeling disappointed. The controversy centers on a foul against Elche player Roy Rabibo in the penalty area, where he was allegedly pulled by his shirt by Villarreal's Alberto Moleiro. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not award a penalty, sparking criticism in Spain.

Spanish sports outlet "AS" published that "VAR saved Villarreal," adding that Rabibo should have been awarded a penalty due to a clear shirt pull. The outlet noted that such incidents are usually not reviewed by VAR, and that this specific situation significantly slowed down the game.

Elche coach Martín Anselmi expressed his confusion, stating, "I understood that every shirt pull should not be checked by VAR this season, because it is a foul. I don't know how hard they pulled the shirt, but I was sure it was a penalty. Maybe I am wrong."

According to football regulations, VAR is permitted to intervene in cases of unawarded penalties, and not every shirt pull automatically negates a penalty. The VAR's mandate includes correcting unjust penalty decisions. However, the rules stipulate that a clear shirt pull preventing a player from reaching the ball in the penalty area should result in a penalty.