‘Right decision’ – Referees Committee defends call to disallow Real Madrid’s goal vs Mallorca

The CTA (Technical Committee of Referees) launched its transparency policy today by releasing a video that reviewed some of the most controversial refereeing moments from the start of La Liga.

Interestingly, one of the highlighted incidents was the disallowed Real Madrid goal against Mallorca, where Arda Guler was penalised for handball.

In the CTA’s video, the play involving Guler was analysed in detail. The committee explained,

“The rule, which has been in place for several seasons, is known throughout the football world.

“The rule states that a player who scores a goal in the opponent’s goal immediately after the ball touches his hand or arm, even accidentally, will commit an infraction.”

Why was the goal disallowed?

The CTA further clarified why Guler’s strike was not allowed to stand.

Arda Guler’s goal vs Mallorca was disallowed. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“In this play, and although it is a second shot, due to the short time that passes and how it occurs, it is part of the same action and meets the criterion of immediacy.

“Therefore, the final disallowance of the goal after the VAR intervention is the correct decision,” the committee explained.

Interestingly, the CTA also pointed out that the ruling would have been different had Guler passed the ball instead of shooting.

“This same action, assuming that the Real Madrid player, instead of shooting at goal, made a pass to a teammate and they scored, will be a legal goal,” the video clarified.

This explanation aims to clear doubts about the controversial handball rule, showing how the referees and VAR followed existing regulations.

While fans may remain frustrated, the CTA insists the decision aligned with the laws of the game. Regardless of the decision, Real Madrid ended up winning the game 2-1.

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