Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Atlético Madrid in a Sunday derby at the Metropolitano, a result that prompted the club to issue a formal statement blaming the match referee, Ortiz Arias, for a series of controversial decisions.
The match saw Arias issue a straight red card to Real’s Dean Huijsen. Atlético then scored twice – first through Alejandro Grimaldo and then Jonathan David – while Real managed a consolation goal when Antonio Rüdiger headed in from a free‑kick.
In the statement, Real said the game was “marked by Ortiz Arias’ extremely poor refereeing.” The club criticised the referee for not sending off two players who had stepped on opponents’ knees during the first half.
“He failed to send off Cuti Romero in the first half for stepping on Bellingham’s knee (despite going to the monitor to review the incident), nor did he send off Kang‑In Lee for stepping on Valverde’s left ankle. Both decisions had an impact on the match, which was ultimately decided in Atlético’s favour in the second half,” the statement read.
Real’s criticism comes after a match that saw the home side’s efforts undermined by what the club described as “extremely poor” officiating, with the referee’s decisions cited as a key factor in the defeat.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
