RFEF releases VAR audio behind Dean Huijsen’s red card in Madrid derby

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has released the audio from two VAR interventions during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Madrid derby.

The match was overshadowed by major refereeing controversy and prompted an angry reaction from Real Madrid. The published recordings cover the decision to change Jude Bellingham’s yellow card to one for Cuti Romero, and the review that led to Dean Huijsen being sent off.

No audio was released for Lee Kang-in’s challenge on Federico Valverde, despite it being regarded as one of the most contentious incidents of the match. The tackle did not result in even a yellow card and was not referred to the video assistant referee.

Huijsen’s dismissal followed an initial decision by referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias to award Atletico Madrid a penalty and show the Real Madrid defender a yellow card. He was then advised by VAR official Daniel Trujillo to review the incident on the pitch.

“​​Miguel, I recommend an on-field review to assess a possible red card for Huijsen, for holding the opponent without any possibility of challenging for the ball,” Trujillo said.

As Ortiz Arias walked towards the pitchside monitor, he could be heard telling Real Madrid’s substitutes: “You can sit down.” On reaching the screen, he added: “I’m at the monitor now.”

The VAR team then explained: “OK, I can see that the Real Madrid player has held the opponent without any possibility of competing for the ball in a clear goalscoring opportunity.”

Ortiz Arias asked to see a wider view, saying: “OK, can you show me a wide shot, please? I want to see where the goalkeeper is.”

The VAR officials showed him footage from the offside camera. After watching it, Ortiz Arias said: “OK, I understand that the goalkeeper cannot reach the ball. He has controlled it. OK, the goalkeeper is not within playing distance. There was no challenge for the ball. I will change the yellow card to red and confirm the penalty.”

Huijsen was subsequently sent off and Real Madrid finished the game with 10 players.

Bellingham card changed after VAR review

Another disputed moment came when Cuti Romero challenged Bellingham. Ortiz Arias initially awarded a foul against the Real Madrid midfielder and booked him.

The VAR review was not intended to assess whether the tackle warranted a red card, despite the nature of the challenge and Real Madrid’s protests. Instead, it was initiated because the wrong player had been identified.

“​​Miguel, I recommend an on-field review to assess a possible mistaken identity,” the VAR official said. “I see that the Atletico Madrid player stepped on the Real Madrid player, while the Real Madrid player touched the ball.”

After reviewing the footage, Ortiz Arias said: “OK, I will cancel the yellow card for the Real Madrid player and show a yellow card to the Atletico player. Is that clear?”

The Spanish Football Federation’s technical refereeing committee will analyse the footage on Monday. It will also receive clips selected by La Liga’s artificial intelligence system for inclusion in Tuesday’s review.