Real Madrid fury after Atletico derby over refereeing decisions

Real Madrid players were left angry after their derby against Atletico de Madrid at the Riyadh Metropolitano, believing a series of refereeing decisions had directly influenced the match.

The strongest complaints focused on two incidents which, in the players’ view, should have resulted in red cards. They felt Cuti Romero’s challenge on Jude Bellingham and Kang-in Lee’s stamp on Federico Valverde’s foot both warranted dismissals.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the frustration inside the Real Madrid dressing room reached its peak after the final whistle. The players were particularly unhappy that the video assistant referee did not ask the referee to review Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Valverde, despite what they regarded as the seriousness of the foul.

The team also questioned several strong challenges by Alex Baena on Arda Guler. Real Madrid players believed at least two of those tackles should have been punished with yellow cards.

The incidents involving Romero and Kang-in Lee were seen as especially difficult to accept because of Valverde’s sending-off in the previous Madrid derby in March. On that occasion, referee Munuera Montero dismissed Valverde for a challenge on Baena.

Real Madrid players recalled that decision while discussing the derby, arguing that the challenge on Valverde in this match had been even clearer. That comparison added to their sense of unfair treatment.

The club took steps to prevent the anger from spilling into public comments. Real Madrid decided that players and members of the team would not speak to the media after the match, fearing that the intensity of the emotions could lead to statements resulting in disciplinary sanctions.

Tunnel confrontation during half-time

The derby had already become tense before the final whistle. Antonio Rudiger and Morten Hjulmand were involved in a heated confrontation in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms during half-time.

Members of both coaching staffs intervened to calm the situation. The incident ended with the dismissal of Atletico Madrid goalkeeping coach Pablo Vercellone and Jose Mourinho’s assistant Pedro Machado.

Machado later apologised to Hjulmand, allowing the disagreement to end without further escalation.

Real Madrid’s concerns also extend beyond this derby. The players believe some refereeing decisions in other matches have favoured Atletico de Madrid and Barcelona.

They cited the disallowed goal scored by Osasuna against Atletico, the penalty awarded to Atletico at Anoeta and the spot-kick given to Barcelona after Lamine Yamal was brought down against Levante.

The collection of incidents has contributed to the anger within the Real Madrid squad, with the derby’s two disputed challenges remaining the main focus of their post-match frustration.