Real Madrid v Real Betis: Hernandez Hernandez appointment revives old controversy

Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez has been appointed to referee Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis on Friday, a decision likely to attract attention before kick-off because of the official’s long and controversial history with the Spanish champions.

The match will take place as part of the fourth round of the Spanish top-flight season. Hernandez Hernandez is one of Spain’s most prominent referees, but his appointments have frequently prompted debate, particularly when he has been selected for games involving Real Madrid.

The 43-year-old has held FIFA international referee status since 2014 and is also classified as one of UEFA’s elite officials. He has been selected as one of the referees for the 2026 World Cup, having previously been named Spain’s best referee in 2017.

Hernandez Hernandez officiated the same fixture between Real Madrid and Real Betis at Santiago Bernabeu in January. Real Madrid won that match 5-1.

He has also taken charge of a La Liga match involving Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal this season. That game featured two penalty decisions and the sending-off of Robin Le Normand.

Despite his standing in the Spanish and European game, Hernandez Hernandez has remained a divisive figure. His name has been repeatedly linked with contentious decisions, especially in El Clasico meetings between Real Madrid and Barcelona, making him a regular target for criticism from supporters of both clubs.

One of the most frequently revisited stories about the referee dates back to an interview he gave when he was 12. During that interview, he said Barcelona was the team he supported.

The comment has been circulated repeatedly whenever he has been appointed to referee Real Madrid matches. However, there has been no official decision questioning his impartiality or preventing him from taking charge of games involving Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s official television channel has also criticised Hernandez Hernandez on several occasions. Its reports have highlighted what it described as “refereeing errors” that harmed the club, particularly after his appointments for El Clasico fixtures.

The channel has argued that the referee made significant decisions against Real Madrid in matches over the past few years. Those claims have contributed to the heightened scrutiny surrounding his latest assignment.

His appointment for Friday’s meeting with Real Betis therefore comes with an established background of controversy. The sensitivity of the match, combined with the attention that has accompanied Hernandez Hernandez whenever he has refereed Real Madrid, is expected to keep the official under close observation throughout the contest.

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