Alaves vs Atletico: Why Ademola Lookman avoided red card

Ademola Lookman avoided a possible red card after a first-half challenge on Ángel Pérez during Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Alavés, with Archivo VAR explaining why the incident was not considered a sending-off offence.

The decision sparked controversy after Alavés were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Pérez was sent off for a challenge on Julián Álvarez, despite the Alavés defender having been involved in the earlier incident with Lookman.

Lookman was booked in the 45th minute for his challenge on Pérez, who had threatened Atlético down the right flank. 

While the challenge looked nasty, Archivo VAR, a platform that provides insight into contentious refereeing decisions in Spanish football, provided insight into why Lookman avoided sending off. 

Archivo VAR’s explanation centred on the mechanics of the Nigerian’s challenge, particularly the fact that his heels remained in contact with the grass rather than being raised as he made contact.

That distinction informed the assessment of the tackle, which was punished with a yellow card rather than a dismissal. 

However, the explanation did little to settle the debate, with supporters questioning why Lookman remained on the pitch when Pérez was later sent off for a challenge that also involved contact with an opponent’s supporting leg.

The controversy intensified in the 60th minute when Pérez lunged at Álvarez, catching the Atlético forward around the ankle as he challenged for the ball. 

Referee Alejandro Quintero González initially showed the Alavés player a yellow card, but VAR official Juan Luis Pulido recommended an on-field review.

After watching the replay, Quintero upgraded the punishment to a red card in the 61st minute, leaving Alavés with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Pérez protested the decision as he left the pitch, pointing to the earlier challenge by Lookman that had earned the Atlético forward only a yellow card. 

Alavés coach Quique Sánchez Flores also questioned the difference in treatment, describing the two incidents as similar and criticising what he viewed as inconsistent officiating.

Midfielder Antonio Blanco likewise argued that VAR should have intervened over Lookman’s tackle, adding to the frustration among Alavés players and supporters.