Transcript: VAR audio of West Ham’s disallowed goal

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

Published

9 seconds ago

May 13, 2026

Tongai Mwenje

David Raya incident explained as VAR saves Gunners

Referee (REF): Chris Kavanagh

Assistant Referee 1 (AR1): Dan Cook

VAR: Darren England

Assistant VAR (AVAR): Akil Howson

RO: Hawk-Eye replay operator

When the on-field team is able to hear the VAR discussion, the text is shown in bold.

VAR: Possible foul on keeper.

VAR: Watch has gone.

AVAR: Goal given.

AR1: I don’t see any foul on the goalkeeper.

REF: On-field decision is goal.

VAR: Checking the on-field decision of goal.

VAR: OK, let’s play it through, let’s play it through. Let’s just get a feel now.

VAR: So, the keeper there…

VAR: Then it’s just a shot. So, it’s literally just a possible foul on Raya, what I’m seeing in terms of that.

AVAR: Yeah, and to make sure he doesn’t have it in his hand.

VAR: OK, let’s get a tighter angle on the goalkeeper please.

VAR: On the Arsenal goalkeeper.

RO: Yeah.

VAR: This one. Slow it down, frame by frame.

VAR: For me, there is a foul. Potential foul with the arm.

VAR: His hand is holding his arm down. That’s impactful, for me.

VAR: The left arm there, is holding, is across the body.

VAR: He’s across the head and he’s holding the left arm of Raya, there.

VAR: Which impedes his ability to get to the ball properly.

VAR: Doesn’t look that impactful from that angle.

RO: I’ve got a pole-cam angle.

VAR: Give us pole-cam.

AVAR: It’s like, Raya…

AVAR: Because that contact we’ve got there, we’ve got…

VAR: Just keep delaying. Just checking possible foul on the goalkeeper.

AVAR: You’ve got that straight behind him as well, look.

VAR: Yeah.

RO: I’ll go back to the original angle.

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: But this happens before.

RO: Do you want to see it at full speed?

VAR: Yes please.

VAR: Is it impactful on the goalkeeper that, for me.

VAR: Go back to the second angle you showed me, the second angle.

RO: No problem, just going to look now.

AVAR: Can you do a split screen on both of them as well?

VAR: This one here, this one. Yeah, give us a split screen. That one and then the first angle.

RO: OK, goalline?

VAR: No, sorry, this one and this one, thank you.

AVAR: I don’t like Trossard not facing the ball and you’ve got…

AVAR: I agree, it’s impactful, it’s just everything else that’s going on as well.

AVAR: Let’s say we’re saying that’s a foul, then what are we saying about Trossard’s actions on the same player?

AVAR: What are we saying about Declan Rice behind?

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: He still gets a hand to the ball, doesn’t he? When he’s getting to the ball.

AVAR: What’s your initial opinion as you watched it?

VAR: I think, for me, we send him for an on-field review to look at the possible foul on the goalkeeper.

VAR: And then we get him to look at the other incidents as well. I think that’s the best decision in terms of this.

VAR: OK.

VAR: Chris (Chris Kavanagh – REF), I’m going to recommend an on-field review for a possible foul on the goalkeeper but there are some other incidents to look at while you’re at the monitor as well.

REF: OK.

VAR: So, I’m going to show you a possible foul on the goalkeeper.

RO: This angle?

REF: OK.

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

REF: Yeah.

VAR: I’m showing you that now.

REF: I can see the clear holding on him across.

VAR: Yeah, but then I’m just going to show you some, obviously, other angles on that incident, of players.

REF: OK.

AVAR: You’ve got Declan Rice and you’ve got Trossard.

REF: I don’t know what you’re trying to show me, give me a clue.

VAR: Trossard on Pablo. Just if you look at Trossard on Pablo. Give me a better angle on that.

VAR: I’ll get you a better angle.

REF: I don’t think there’s much in that at all, I’m happy with that.

VAR: Yeah, OK.

REF: That’s nothing.

VAR: And then if you just want to consider the actions of Declan Rice on Mavropanos at the back.

VAR: But the foul happens on the goalkeeper before.

REF: Before it, so… After review, West Ham number…

VAR: 19.

REF: 19. Foul.

REF: Just confirm his number again for me.

VAR: 19.

VAR: Yeah, confirmed.

REF: Mic open.

REF: After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.

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In a defiant tone, Pérez declared:

“I am NOT resigning. I am calling for new elections at the club. There are campaigns against me. But I’m still here, and I’m the president. People said I have cancer; this is all MADE UP.”

He emphasized his record, noting that under his leadership, Real Madrid has won 37 titles, including 7 Champions League trophies and 7 LaLiga titles, while insisting he should have won more but was “robbed” by refereeing decisions.

Pérez accused referees of favoring opponents and claimed Real Madrid lost 18 points in LaLiga due to biased officiating. He announced the club will submit a dossier to UEFA highlighting these grievances and referenced the ongoing Negreira case, a corruption scandal involving payments to referees linked to Barcelona.

“We are going to submit a dossier to UEFA so that they put an END to the case. The Negreira scandal is still causing repercussions,” Pérez said, aiming a direct dig at Barcelona.

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“The enemies inside the club who leak things? Leave them to me, I take care of them… TRUST ME,” Pérez warned.

Shortly after the press conference, FC Barcelona issued a statement:

“Regarding the press conference called by the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, we inform you that our legal department is carefully studying his statements and accusations.”

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Scottland FC board chairman and Betterbrands Chief Operations Officer, Tonderai “Pound” Sakupwanya, represented the company at the signing ceremony, while Minister Torerayi Moyo signed on behalf of the ministry.

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was visibly emotional after helping his side secure a place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, following a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

Bukayo Saka’s goal just before half-time sent Arsenal into the Champions League final for the second time in the club’s history, as they overcame Atletico Madrid in a jubilant Emirates Stadium. With the tie finely balanced after last week’s 1-1 draw in Madrid, the Gunners struck the decisive blow on 44 minutes when Leandro Trossard’s effort was parried into Saka’s path, allowing him to finish and set up a thrilling second half.

Bukayo Saka’s strike on 44 minutes fired Arsenal past Atletico Madrid 1-0 at a rocking Emirates, booking their spot in the Champions League final for the second time in history.

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“I can’t describe it to be honest with you. It’s been coming, this night at the Emirates in general, I think it’s the best night at the Emirates that I’ve witnessed, even better than the Real Madrid game last year.”

The England international praised the supporters for creating an unforgettable atmosphere, recalling how the players were greeted with flares and chants as the team bus arrived.

“I’ve not seen the Emirates like that, so a big thank you to the fans because we needed that… Even if you’re tired, it just gives you that energy to keep going, and I think they played a massive part tonight in making us win.”

Rice acknowledged the significance of the achievement for both the club and its fans, highlighting the emotional journey Arsenal supporters have endured over the years.

“This era of Arsenal fans… I’m sure this is really up there for them. So, I’m happy we’ve done it for the club and for this set of players and our manager because everyone deserves it, so, so happy.”

The victory means Arsenal will contest their first Champions League final since 2006, with a chance to lift Europe’s biggest prize for the first time in the club’s history.

Looking ahead to Budapest, Rice added:

“It’s crazy saying that. Bring it on – I’ll be ready. Budapest, I want every Arsenal fan out there. 200,000 of you, come out! Let’s try and do it because we’re going to need all the support, all the energy and let’s make it really special.”

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