Real Madrid protest after Atletico Madrid’s Kang-in Lee escapes booking in derby

Real Madrid players protested against referee Ortiz Arias after he declined to caution Atletico Madrid midfielder Kang-in Lee for a forceful challenge on Federico Valverde during a tense first half at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Madrid derby was played at a high intensity, with repeated clashes, physical challenges and strong tackles dominating the opening 45 minutes. Real Madrid also objected to several refereeing decisions as the half progressed.

Two incidents drew particular complaints from the visiting side. Real Madrid players believed Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee had committed offences that could have warranted more serious punishment, leading to continued protests during the match.

Shortly before half-time, Kang-in Lee caught Valverde from behind in midfield, close to where Ortiz Arias was positioned. The referee awarded Real Madrid a free-kick but did not show the Atletico Madrid player a yellow card.

Television replays appeared to show Kang-in Lee making direct contact with Valverde’s ankle, causing it to twist during the challenge. The Real Madrid midfielder immediately protested, while the referee limited the punishment to the free-kick.

The decision prompted debate over whether a yellow card should have been shown. The full force of the challenge was not entirely clear to Ortiz Arias at the moment it occurred, but the replay provided a clearer view of the contact.