Real Madrid Furious After Borja Iglesias Elbow on Bellingham Goes Unreviewed by VAR
Real Madrid have expressed outrage after a high-profile incident involving Borja Iglesias’ elbow on Jude Bellingham went unreviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during their recent clash. The incident left Bellingham bleeding and visibly shaken, yet the match officials did not call it to review, prompting accusations of inconsistency in officiating.
According to Diario AS, the Spanish giants drew immediate comparisons with a separate incident earlier in the season when Cabrera was shown a red card for a challenge on Lamine Yamal. Real Madrid argue that the lack of VAR intervention in the Iglesias-Bellingham case is evidence of a double standard in disciplinary decisions, heightening frustration among players, coaches, and fans alike.
The elbow appeared during a tense midfield battle, with Bellingham receiving treatment on the pitch for several minutes after bleeding from the clash. Many observers noted that while physicality is part of top-level football, the action seemed severe enough to warrant at least a VAR review for potential violent conduct. However, play continued without any retrospective examination.
Real Madrid’s staff reportedly made formal complaints after the match, emphasizing the need for clear and consistent officiating standards. A club spokesperson was quoted saying that the incident “should have been reviewed,” highlighting concerns about player safety and fairness. The team’s technical staff also referenced the Cabrera-Yamal case as evidence that similar actions have been punished in the past, suggesting inconsistency in disciplinary application.
Fans quickly reacted on social media, with many agreeing with Real Madrid’s viewpoint. Some pointed out that high-profile matches often draw scrutiny when key incidents are overlooked, and many called for clearer VAR protocols to ensure incidents like this are treated uniformly. Analysts also highlighted that the inconsistency could undermine confidence in refereeing and VAR systems, particularly in matches with significant stakes in league positions or European competitions.
While Borja Iglesias and his team did not publicly comment immediately after the match, the Spanish striker has a reputation for aggressive play in the box, often walking a fine line between competitive intensity and fouls. Meanwhile, Bellingham, who has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s midfield, faced several challenges in the game but was visibly impacted by the elbow, both physically and emotionally.
As of now, the Spanish Football Federation has not announced any retrospective review or disciplinary action. Real Madrid are expected to continue their push for clarity on VAR decisions in the coming weeks, potentially raising the matter with league authorities if they feel the standards are inconsistent.
The debate adds to an ongoing conversation across world football about VAR’s role in ensuring fairness while maintaining flow in matches. Fans, analysts, and clubs are increasingly calling for uniform criteria so that incidents like Iglesias on Bellingham do not generate controversy or perceived bias.
For now, Real Madrid remain adamant that the elbow deserved attention and are likely to press the league for clearer guidance on how similar situations are handled moving forward.
