Controversy in LaLiga: penalties and red cards for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid

These are the controversial and debated incidents from matchday 31 of LaLiga EA Sports, reviewed and analysed by Iturralde González, referee expert for AS.

Sevilla-Atlético

In the 5th minute came the first controversial incident, which took more than three minutes to be resolved by VAR. Dani Martínez struck Isaac on the foot, after Isaac had already placed it in front of him so the defender could not clear the ball. “It’s a very clear penalty,” Iturralde confirmed on Carrusel. However, Díaz de Mera Escuderos did not award it, and the VAR took a long time to alert him.

“It’s a penalty. Dani Martínez hits Isaac from behind and knocks his foot away,” explained the refereeing specialist, who also criticised the delay from VAR: “They lack certainty, they don’t have clear criteria...”. Atlético also appealed for a prior foul on Sørloth, but it was not reviewed.

Real Madrid-Girona

A controversial moment came in the 87th minute of the match between Real Madrid and Girona at the Bernabéu. A fall by Mbappé in the box could have been given as a penalty after contact with Reis, but referee Alberola Rojas did not see it that way. Nor did VAR alert him. “If the referee had given it live, there is contact, but VAR is never going to intervene,” analysed González.

The former international referee broke down the play in detail and how the officiating team handled it: “It’s an action inside the box where Mbappé cuts inside, and the defender, in trying to follow the dribble, strikes him in the face with his arm. For me, it’s a penalty, but the instructions VAR has are not to intervene in those types of situations.”

Related stories

LaLiga EA Sports

LaLiga protocol activated after Camp Nou chanting

Bundesliga

Bayern’s Bundesliga XI gives huge clues about Madrid second leg

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.