Real Madrid referee criticizes red card for Osasuna player

Real Madrid opened La Liga with a 1-0 win over Osasuna thanks to a penalty, but the red card given to the visitors caused controversy.

Bretones was injured before receiving the red card

In the breathless minutes of extra time, when Osasuna was trying their best to put pressure on Real Madrid's goal, suddenly center-back Abel Bretones - who had been solid throughout the match - was sent off. Referee Adrián Cordero showed a straight red card after the collision between Bretones and Gonzalo Garcia.

The image of Bretones holding his head in disbelief reflected the injustice he felt: it was a situation that deserved a yellow card, nothing more. The decision immediately created a wave of fierce controversy.

On Cope channel, veteran commentator Manolo Lama could not hide his anger: "If he had given a red card in this situation, the referee should have also sent off his assistant and himself."

Meanwhile, former referee Mateu Lahoz - a face associated with endless debates for many years - spoke out on Movistar: "The assistant was right there, he saw it clearly. This was just a yellow card-worthy incident, because it did not endanger Gonzalo's safety. VAR did not need to intervene."

Lahoz's statement reminded the public of his turbulent refereeing career. Having been repeatedly criticized for his bias towards Real Madrid, Lahoz has always been at the center of the war of words between the two halves of the Iberian Peninsula: Madrid and Barcelona.

Real Madrid fans argue that, while it is true that Lahoz has made indirect decisions that have benefited “Los Blancos,” he has also made many unfavorable judgments. The problem lies in his lack of consistency, which has made Lahoz the “main character” in many El Clasicos.

Barcelona have repeatedly accused him of not being able to control the game. On the contrary, coach Carlo Ancelotti has always publicly supported him: "Mateu Lahoz is the best referee in Spain and Europe."

Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Osasuna should have ended with a penalty. Instead, it was overshadowed by a controversial late decision. Abel Bretones’ red card not only sparked anger in Osasuna, but also reignited the age-old debate about refereeing in La Liga – where the line between fair and unfair remains a fine one.

Source: https://znews.vn/trong-tai-than-real-che-tinh-huong-rut-the-do-cau-thu-osasuna-post1578332.html