Three soccer scenes where players exaggerate fouls or falls during a match
FIRST TEAM

FIFA's VAR embarrasses CTA and LaLiga one last time, Real Madrid doesn't forget

Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Cucurella's hair, a logical decision that is not applied in LaLiga

The 2025 Club World Cup is already over, but it continues to leave consequences. Especially for Real Madrid, which hasn't overlooked a detail that occurred in the final between Chelsea and PSG.

João Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair. It was a clear action, punished with a straight red card by the referee, without hesitation and with full support from FIFA's VAR.

It's a decision that many at the white club have received with a mix of surprise and indignation. Not because of the sending off, but because of the contrast with what happens in Spain.

Same gesture, different punishments

Vinícius suffered an identical assault this season. It was last January 4, against Valencia. Goalkeeper Dimitrievski pulled his braid before the Brazilian replied with a slight push.

The result? Vinícius was sent off and Dimitrievski received no punishment. VAR, led by the Technical Committee of Referees, didn't intervene.

A goalkeeper in a blue uniform and yellow gloves is behind a player in an orange uniform who is kneeling on the grass during a match.
Dimitrievski pulled Vinicius's braid | X

Real Madrid showed its discomfort then. Now, João Neves's play in the World Cup confirms the suspicions. In Spain, what is a red card everywhere else in the world is "play on" here.

The precedent of Marcelo in 2020

It's not the first time. In November 2020, Marcelo suffered a similar hair pull against Alavés. Laguardia grabbed his head inside the box, in an action that neither the referee nor VAR considered a penalty.

Madrid also protested then. But, as almost always, the CTA looked the other way.

Soccer players in action during a match with a black and white mural in the background and a red advertising sign at the bottom
Laguardia pulls Marcelo's hair | X

Now, with the sanction to João Neves, FIFA gives a lesson in criteria. It exposes the double standard of Spanish refereeing.

Real Madrid takes note

Everything is being closely followed from Valdebebas. The club has decided not to forget these kinds of decisions since it's not just another play, it's another chapter that adds arguments to its anger with LaLiga and the CTA.

The difference in criteria is clear and while international soccer applies justice, doubts remain in Spain.

FIFA's VAR has spoken and Real Madrid, once again, is left with the feeling that at home it plays by different rules.

➡️ First Team

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