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Valencia striker Rodrigo has voiced his support for the video assistant referees (VAR) system to be implemented in La Liga, while acknowledging that without the technology his team benefitted against Barcelona in Sunday's 1-1 draw. Lionel Messi was not awarded a 30th-minute goal at the Mestalla stadium due to a lack of goal-line technology. His shot after the half-hour mark was fumbled by Valencia goalkeeper Norberto Neto and TV replays showed the ball went over the line. Rodrigo, whose goal was cancelled out by Jordi Alba's equaliser in the top-of-the table clash, said of Messi's "ghost goal" to Onda Cero radio: "The ball clearly crossed the line. "At the time I didn't see it because I was in the halfway line but when you see the TV images, it's evident to everyone. "This is football, sometimes decisions go in your favour and others against you, but this will change once VAR is implemented. "Referees have a complicated job and can't always see everything. Anything that can help them is worth having." The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced earlier this month that La Liga will introduce VAR technology from the 2018-19 campaign, thus giving the opportunity for referees to review controversial episodes during a game with the assistance of video footage. Rodrigo notched his eighth league goal of the season when he opened the scoring in the 60th minute. The Spain international celebrated by taking an orange wig from a fan and putting it on as a dedication to former club president Jaime Orti, who died on Friday following a battle with lung cancer. Orti was known for his flamboyant celebrations, which included wearing an orange wig, and presided over the club's last two league title wins in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 campaigns. "I bought the wig yesterday [Saturday]," Rodrigo told Onda Cero radio. "We were with his family the day before in the wake and they transmitted to us just how much this club meant to him. I wanted to honour someone who was very important to this club and I'm glad I could do that." The outcome on Sunday allowed Marcelino's side to equal the record set by Rafa Benitez's Valencia of going 13 straight rounds unbeaten in La Liga. Benitez's side did so in the 2001-02 campaign and went on to win the league title. Valencia have thrived under Marcelino and are enjoying their best ever start to La Liga with 31 points taken in 13 games, eight more than Benitez's side had in their unbeaten run 16 years ago. "I'm just happy that we are up there and have left two complicated seasons [12th-place finishes] behind," Rodrigo said. "This is an important point, we are still unbeaten in La Liga. We wanted a win but we are happy with the result."
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