Ademola Lookman avoids red card amid VAR controversy

A refereeing decision during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Deportivo Alaves has sparked controversy regarding VAR consistency. In the 45th minute, Ademola Lookman received a yellow card for a challenge on Angel Perez. Referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez deemed the tackle reckless but not worthy of a red card.

Disputes arose after a subsequent ankle challenge involving the same player, Angel Perez, and Atletico forward Julian Alvarez resulted in a dismissal following a VAR review. Alaves manager Quique Sanchez Flores questioned the discrepancy in how the two similar incidents were assessed, stating, “I’ve been told there was a similar incident involving Lookman in the first half where the VAR’s criteria were different. If that’s the case, it hurts.”

The incident also drew attention to Lookman’s disciplinary record. The former African Footballer of the Year has maintained a streak of 413 professional appearances—comprising 368 European club matches and 45 appearances for the Nigeria national team—without ever receiving a red card.