Former Spanish referee Xavi Estrada Fernández has sparked widespread controversy regarding the operations of the Video Assistant Referee system after Lamine Yamal's goal was disallowed during Barcelona's 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad on January 18, 2026. Estrada Fernández suggested that the unjustified delay in reaching the decision raises serious doubts about potential manipulation of the offside image.
The controversial incident occurred in the 28th minute at Reale Arena when Barcelona were applying sustained pressure inside the Real Sociedad penalty area. A series of rebounds ended with the 18-year-old wonderkid pouncing on a loose ball and beating goalkeeper Alex Remiro. However, after an extended review by VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande and an explanation given by referee Gil Manzano to the captains, the goal was disallowed for offside by the barest of margins.
Estrada Fernández questioned the lengthy VAR review process, stating that the images do not fully clarify the action. He noted that officials took approximately ten minutes to reach their decision, suggesting they must have been editing the image. The former referee also criticized another disallowed Barcelona goal, arguing that the alleged foul in the buildup was not severe enough to warrant VAR intervention according to established protocols.
The decision has drawn comparisons to a similar incident involving Robert Lewandowski at the same stadium in November 2024, with the same VAR official involved. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick labeled it the wrong decision after reviewing the footage in the dressing room and demanded explanations from match officials. The Catalan club saw three goals disallowed during the match, but Yamal's ruling generated the most intense reaction.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez expressed his frustration by posting the controversial offside image on Instagram accompanied by laughing emojis and a message declaring pride in his team. The defeat ended Barcelona's twelve-match unbeaten streak in La Liga and reduced their lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid to just one point, reigniting the title race with significant implications for the remainder of the season.