Real Madrid, Mourinho blame referee for Atletico loss in derby
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and the club criticized referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias following a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid. The club claims the referee missed two red card offenses by Atletico players, which they believe significantly impacted the match outcome.
Why it matters
High-profile disputes over officiating in major football leagues often spark debates regarding the consistency and effectiveness of VAR and refereeing standards.
Hear this story Real Madrid has claimed its 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid was down to a "dreadful refereeing performance" from head official Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias.
Madrid was incensed after it believed Ortiz Arias missed not one, but two Atlético red cards in the first half of the derby on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Those two decisions proved especially vital after Ortiz Arias awarded Atlético a penalty early in the second half, issuing a red card for Madrid's Dead Huijsen for the foul.
Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring from the spot for Atlético, with Jonathan David adding a second for the home side just six minutes later. Antonio Rüdiger pulled a goal back late but it wasn't enough for Madrid, which fell to a bitter defeat against its local rival.
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