Real Madrid issues statement after derby referee controversy

Real Madrid has released a statement criticizing the referee after their derby at the Metropolitano, a match in which the team ultimately lost.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, in the club’s own written statement it argues that the match was heavily influenced by Ortiz Arias. The club claims the referee failed to send off Cuti Romero in the first half, despite the incident involving Jude Bellingham’s knee.

The two red-card claims

Real Madrid also highlights a second moment: it says Kang-In Lee should have been shown a red card for an action in which, according to the statement, he stepped on Federico Valverde’s left ankle. The club adds that in the Bellingham incident the referee went to the monitor to review the incident but still did not take the disciplinary action Real Madrid believes was warranted.

Claimed match impact

Real Madrid maintains that both calls had a major impact on the game, which it says was decided in Atlético’s favor in the second half.

Romano’s update centers on Real Madrid’s public stance and the aftermath it may trigger.