COPE says Madrid Derby referee Oritz Arias could be sidelined

The controversy around the Madrid Derby isn’t over yet. According to COPE, referee Oritz Arias is set to be sidelined for at least the next two LaLiga matches.

The outlet links the decision to what happened during the derby, and says Real Madrid reacted strongly to the officiating after that performance. At the same time, it reports that Atlético Madrid asked that things not be taken “across the line,” pointing to the tense atmosphere built around refereeing.

What COPE says

COPE’s line is that Arias won’t take charge in the next two league fixtures. The next key step will be to see the official match referee appointments and whether the suspension stays at that minimum or is extended.

What it means for LaLiga

For the teams, it’s a real detail because it alters the refereeing picture immediately after a game that left plenty of debate. From here, the spotlight shifts from what was decided in the derby to the names on the referee assignments for the upcoming rounds.