La Liga referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias is reportedly set to be suspended for at least two matches following his controversial performance during the Madrid derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
According to reports, the referee could be left without an appointment for the next two rounds after several contentious decisions during Atletico’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano. The reported punishment has not yet been officially confirmed.
Softfootball reports that Ortiz Arias came under heavy scrutiny after failing to send off Atletico defender Cristian Romero following his challenge on Jude Bellingham and also not showing a red card to Lee Kang-in for a challenge on Federico Valverde. Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen was later sent off following a VAR review for a foul inside the box.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho strongly criticised the officiating after the defeat, while the club also highlighted the decisions involving Romero and Lee Kang-in in its match report.
The reported suspension comes as further attention falls on Real Madrid’s response after their earlier shock defeat to Real Betis. Kylian Mbappé missed a late penalty in the 1-0 loss at Betis, but Madrid quickly bounced back by beating Rayo Vallecano 4-1, with the French forward scoring twice.
Mbappé’s brace helped Mourinho’s side return to winning ways before the Madrid derby defeat, where Atletico secured all three points in a match dominated by refereeing controversy.
Softfootball understands that Ortiz Arias’ reported absence for the next two rounds would add another chapter to the fallout from a derby that has continued to generate debate across Spanish football.
