Xavi Slams Refereeing Standards as VAR Decisions Reshape La Liga Standings

Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, has criticized the subpar refereeing standards in La Liga following Real Madrid’s controversial win over Almeria, where they seemingly benefited from favorable decisions, including a disputed goal by Vinicius Jr. The impact of VAR decisions on the La Liga standings has been significant, according to Sport.

For instance, after game week 21, Barcelona should have accrued 47 points, three more than their actual 44, had it not been for poor refereeing decisions. Conversely, Real Madrid would have had 47 points, four less than their current total, as they gained four points due to favorable officiating.

Girona, sans VAR decisions, would have held 48 points, placing them at the top and making Barcelona second, intensifying the title race. However, the Blaugrana find themselves in third place, eight points adrift of the league leaders, a consequence of what Xavi perceives as inadequate VAR interventions and controversial refereeing calls.