Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias to make history by refereeing Madrid derby

Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias is set to become the first referee from Madrid to take charge of a city derby when Atletico Madrid face Real Madrid.

The appointment has been made by the Technical Committee of Referees and marks a historic moment for the capital. Ortiz Arias, who was born in Madrid in 1984, is preparing to begin his seventh season in Spain’s top flight.

He already broke new ground last season when Fran Soto selected him to referee Rayo Vallecano’s match against Getafe, despite the official being born in Madrid. That decision ended the previous restriction linked to a referee’s geographical background.

Other prominent officials subsequently followed the same path. Andalusian referee Montero Montero took charge of the Seville derby, while Garcia Verdura was appointed for the Catalan derby.

The current rule allows a referee born in a particular region to officiate matches played within that region. It does not apply to games between teams from different regions, meaning those fixtures are handled by a referee from one of the regions involved.

Spain supporter and award winner

Away from refereeing, Ortiz Arias works as a physical education teacher. He was also awarded the Gorostizeta prize by Marca after being named the best referee of the 2021-22 season.

Miguel Angel is a keen football supporter and follows the Spain national team. This summer, he travelled to New York as a fan to enjoy the World Cup final in which Spain secured their second star.

Criticism of abuse aimed at referees

Ortiz Arias has spoken strongly about the increasingly tense environment surrounding refereeing in the aftermath of the “Negreira case”.

In an interview with the Royal Madrid Football Federation, he said verbal abuse directed at officials had become more widespread.

“I think the violence is greater now. The spotlight has been put on us,” Ortiz Arias said.

“When people always say to me, ‘No, you…’ or ‘You lot…’, I tell them this: imagine you work for a company and one of its executives did things they should not have done. Does that make you corrupt? I think the answer is no.”

Light-hearted exchange with Raphinha

Ortiz Arias also attracted attention during the current season after a humorous exchange with Raphinha before Barcelona’s match against Athletic Bilbao.

Following the pre-match coin toss alongside Inaki Williams, the referee turned to the Barcelona forward and said: “I like your moustache.”

The comment prompted widespread reaction, adding to the profile of the official whose moustache has become one of the most recognisable in La Liga.