La Liga Refereeing Body Admits Mistake Over Lee Kang-in's Tackle on Federico Valverde
The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) in La Liga has acknowledged a significant mistake during the heated Madrid derby where Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1. Match official Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias and the VAR team failed to send off Lee Kang-in for a dangerous tackle that caused serious ankle injury to Real captain Federico Valverde.
CTA Confirms Red Card Was Warranted
According to reports from AS, the CTA admitted Lee’s challenge should have resulted in a red card. The referee had a clear view but allowed play to continue, and VAR chose not to intervene. Valverde suffered severe trauma to his left ankle after being caught by Lee’s studs, which left Real Madrid frustrated with the officials’ inaction.
Other Controversial Decisions Reviewed
The committee also looked at two other key moments. They supported the delayed VAR decision to send off Real defender Dean Huijsen for a professional foul on Giuliano Simeone. Yet, they found the choice to let Atletico’s Cristian Romero avoid a red card for a harsh tackle on Jude Bellingham confusing, agreeing with referee Arias’ original call.
Mourinho Criticizes Refereeing
"The referee had no experience to officiate a derby. He’s 41 years old, a poor referee who’s only ever done minor matches," said Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho after the match. "Congratulations to the refereeing committee for this appointment. But Mr Trujillo (VAR official) does have a history with Real Madrid... he’s a VAR official with a lot of history."
Mourinho was visibly upset, especially after seeing Romero escape punishment for catching Bellingham’s knee with a dangerous tackle.
Officiating Mistakes Overshadow Derby
The match was marred by multiple errors. Arias initially booked Bellingham for the collision with Romero, but VAR overturned it, highlighting the referee’s poor game reading. Still, the failure to review Lee’s tackle on Valverde remains the weekend’s most damaging error.
The CTA’s admission offers little relief to Los Blancos. Valverde has been a key player for Mourinho this season, appearing in every match and scoring in the Champions League. His injury leaves a big gap in midfield as Real Madrid trails in the league.
Impact on Real Madrid and Valverde’s Future
After Sunday’s loss, Real Madrid sits fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona. They will look to bounce back when hosting Villarreal on October 10 before a crucial Champions League trip to Roma.
Valverde’s injury also puts his international future in doubt. The midfielder might miss Uruguay’s upcoming friendlies against Japan and South Korea—ironically Lee Kang-in’s national team—creating a headache for Uruguay’s coach Diego Forlan.
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