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AFA Releases VAR Audio Explaining No-Penalty Call in Huracán–Barracas Draw

The release aims to explain the non-call to cool anger in a rivalry long dogged by refereeing disputes.

Overview

  • The AFA’s refereeing department published the VAR audio from Huracán vs. Barracas Central to explain why a suspected handball was not penalized, with no change to the 0-0 result.
  • The recording captures referee Facundo Tello and the VAR team concluding the ball struck Damián Martínez’s arm involuntarily and that his arm was in a natural position during a jump to head.
  • The VAR did not invite an on-field review, and play continued, which follows protocol that lets video officials recommend a check but not overrule the referee.
  • Huracán coach Diego Martínez said the play was clearly a hand, and home fans chanted against AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia as anger over officiating flared in the stadium.
  • The incident renews long-running grievances between these clubs, including disputed penalties in the 2025 Clausura that influenced playoff and Copa Sudamericana places, feeding broader distrust of AFA refereeing.