The Madrid classic between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid left a controversial play that has caused great indignation in the red-and-white team. Dani Ceballos, the midfielder of the white team, was involved in a harsh tackle on Pablo Barrios that, according to many refereeing experts, should have been sanctioned with a red card. However, the referee Soto Grado only showed a yellow, which has sparked criticism from the Atlético side.
A Tackle That Could Have Changed the Match
The action occurred in the first half when Atlético was trying to play the ball out. Barrios received the ball and, after controlling it, was intercepted by Ceballos, who stepped on his ankle forcefully when the red-and-white player was already on the ground. Despite protests from the bench, the referee decided not to review the action in the VAR and limited himself to showing the yellow card.
For former referees like Iturralde González, the play was clear: "It's a sending-off because he doesn't go for the ball, he clearly goes to step on him. He stretches his leg to impact," he assured on Carrusel Deportivo. He also added that the play was worthy of being reviewed by the VAR, as the rules indicate that an action of serious foul play should be punished with a red card.
Atlético de Madrid's Indignation
Atlético de Madrid's fans quickly showed their discomfort on social media regarding this situation. Simeone himself spoke at a press conference about the play, commenting that for many people it was a sending-off. Many people expressed their discontent on the social network X: "Once again Ceballos won't be sent off in the classic."
The match commentator on Tiempo de Juego, Manolo Lama, also opined that the action was "reviewable" and that the Madrid midfielder could have been sent off. Additionally, other panelists agreed that the refereeing decision was too lenient.
The Match Continued with More Controversy
Shortly after this action, Atlético de Madrid managed to take the lead on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty converted by Julián Álvarez. The VAR intervened in that play to point out a stomp by Tchouaméni on Samu Lino, which sparked protests from Real Madrid players. Ceballos and Bellingham were two of the footballers who most complained about the decision, showing their anger with the referee.
Meanwhile, on Atlético's bench, the indignation remained. They couldn't understand how the VAR intervened to call a penalty but not to review Ceballos's harsh tackle on Barrios.