CTA says Lee Kang‑in should have been sent off in Madrid derby
Spain's Refereeing Technical Committee (CTA) has admitted a refereeing error in the Madrid derby where Real Madrid lost 1‑2 to Atlético Madrid on the 20th. The club complained that neither Cristian Romero nor Lee Kang‑in was sent off for serious fouls.
At 36 minutes, Romero's boot struck Jude Bellingham's knee. The referee first booked Bellingham, then, after VAR, cautioned Romero. CTA later said the decision was correct, deeming the play reckless.
In the second half, Lee Kang‑in's 45‑minute tackle on Federico Valverde's left ankle was ruled a foul for Atlético, but no card was shown. CTA argued the challenge was a serious foul deserving a red.
Real Madrid confirm grade‑three ankle sprain for Valverde
Real Madrid released a statement denouncing the officiating, and manager José Mourinho criticised the referee and VAR official. Valverde suffered a grade‑3 ankle sprain, sidelining him for two to three weeks and causing him to miss Japan's next international match.
Real Madrid fires back at Atlético with scathing video after derby