Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has claimed that the Video Assistant Referee system (VAR) was introduced to prevent what he described as repeated controversial decisions involving Real Madrid.
The Chilean international made the remark during an appearance on the Enfocados podcast, where he revisited his long-standing rivalry with the Spanish club.
Reflecting on past encounters, Vidal said he felt Bayern Munich were unfairly treated during Champions League matches against Real Madrid.
He said: “Yes, I’ve felt robbed by Real Madrid.
“In two games with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, when they eliminated us.”
The 38-year-old, who currently plays for Colo-Colo, suggested the introduction of VAR was aimed at reducing such controversies in football.
He said: “VAR was introduced because of Real Madrid.
“Before that, there were simply too many cheats.
“That’s why they invented VAR, so they wouldn’t rob anymore.”
Vidal’s comments revive debate surrounding the controversial Champions League quarter-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid during the 2016-17 season.
In the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Vidal was sent off in the 84th minute after receiving a second yellow card following a challenge on Marco Asensio, despite appearing to win the ball cleanly.
Bayern eventually lost the match 4–2 after extra time, with Real Madrid progressing 6–3 on aggregate.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice during the match as Madrid progressed to the next round amid calls over several controversial officiating decisions.
The former Juventus midfielder has maintained that decisions during that tie contributed to Bayern’s elimination.
