Real Madrid's 2-1 win away at Real Sociedad last night saw a number of big calls made by the Video Assistant Referee.The technology first intervened when Los Blancos were awarded a penalty in the second-half for an apparent foul on Vinicius Junior.After watching a replay, it was evident that there was minimal contact on the Brazilian, but VAR stood with the on-field decision from the referee.The next incident saw Adnan Januzaj have a brilliant goal disallowed for offside, because a Sociedad player was apparently blocking Thibaut Courtois' eye-line.It was a dubious decision to say the least, but VAR wasn't finished there. Minutes later, Karim Benzema scored to make it 2-0 amid protests from Sociedad defenders about a potential handball.Once again, the technology reviewed the incident and decided in the favour of Real Madrid and it's sparked a lot of controversy.Barcelona fans are fuming - and not only because the goal secured a victory for Los Blancos to move them top of the La Liga table.They're reminding the world of Lionel Messi's disallowed goal in the Spanish Super Cup for an apparent 'handball' back in January.You can view all three incidents from the Anoeta and the 'handball' involving Messi below, along with some reaction from Barcelona fans.
The ball appears to hit both players in an identical spot, but VAR opted to disallow Messi's goal, with Barca eventually losing 3-2 to Atletico Madrid out in Saudi Arabia.
Catalan-based publication Sport have even run a story today comparing the incidents with the headline: 'VAR's double standards: What Real Madrid get and Barcelona do not...'
ESPN journalist Dale Johnson has also added more fuel to the fire by highlighting that goals in both the Premier League and Bundesliga have been disallowed for 'handballs' similar to that of Benzema.
In a fair world, both Messi and Benzema's goals would have counted.
But if VAR wants to be respected throughout the world, those in charge must start showing a clear devotion to consistency.