Official: Real Madrid voices its anger over derby refereeing

20.09.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

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Real Madrid

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Real Madrid published an official statement after their 2-1 defeat at the Metropolitano. The Madrid club addressed several decisions made by referee Ortiz Arias in detail, including two in the first half and one after the break.

Romero and Kang-in Lee at the heart of the first protests

The first incident occurred in the 35th minute. Jude Bellingham got the better of Cuti Romero, who then stepped on his left knee with his studs. Ortiz Arias initially booked Bellingham, before being called by VAR to review the incident. After consulting the footage, he withdrew Bellingham’s yellow card and booked Romero instead. Real Madrid believe that Romero should have been sent off for the challenge.

Nine minutes later, the Madrid club disputed a second decision. Kang-in Lee caught Federico Valverde’s left ankle with his studs. Ortiz Arias was close to the action but did not punish the Atlético player. This time, VAR did not invite him to review the footage. According to Real Madrid, Kang-in Lee should also have received a red card.

The penalty and Huijsen’s sending-off

The third decision came in the 50th minute. Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area and Ortiz Arias awarded a penalty, while initially showing the Real defender a yellow card.

In its statement, Real Madrid considers that the two first-half incidents should have resulted in Atlético players being sent off, while the penalty and Huijsen’s red card directly contributed to the course of the second half.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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