La Liga Admits Mistake: Lee Kang-in Should Have Been Sent Off in Madrid Derby for Valverde Injury

Refereeing Controversy in Madrid Derby

The La Liga refereeing committee, known as the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), has acknowledged a serious error during Atletico Madrid's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. Match official Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias and the VAR team failed to issue a red card to Lee Kang-in after a dangerous tackle on Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde, which caused severe ankle trauma.

CTA Recognizes Missed Red Card

According to AS, the CTA admitted that Lee Kang-in should have been sent off for his reckless challenge on Valverde. The referee had a clear view but allowed play to continue. The VAR team also decided against intervening despite the severity of the foul.

Valverde suffered significant trauma to his left ankle when he was caught by the studs of the South Korean player. Real Madrid’s medical staff later confirmed the extent of the injury, leading to frustration within the club over the lack of punishment during the match.

Other Key Officiating Decisions Reviewed

The CTA also reviewed two additional contentious moments from the game at the Metropolitano. They supported the delayed VAR decision to send off Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid for a professional foul on Giuliano Simeone. Yet, they described the choice not to give a red card to Cristian Romero for a dangerous tackle on Jude Bellingham as confusing.

Jose Mourinho Criticizes Refereeing

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was visibly upset after Romero avoided a red card despite catching Bellingham’s knee with a risky challenge. He openly criticized both referee Arias and VAR official Daniel Jesus Trujillo Suarez after the loss.

"The referee had no experience to officiate a derby. He is 41 years old. He is a poor referee who has only ever done minor matches," Mourinho said at his post-match press conference. "Congratulations to the refereeing committee for this appointment. But Mr Trujillo has a history with Real Madrid—in the Cup, Girona, Osasuna. He is a VAR official with a lot of history."

VAR Failings Overshadow the Derby

The match was marred by several officiating inconsistencies. Initially, Arias gave Bellingham a yellow card for the collision with Romero, but VAR overturned it, highlighting the referee’s poor judgment. Still, the biggest error remains the failure to review Lee Kang-in’s tackle on Valverde, which has far-reaching consequences.

The CTA’s admission offers little relief to Real Madrid. Valverde had become an essential player for Mourinho this season, playing every game and scoring in the Champions League. His injury leaves a significant gap in midfield for a team already behind in the league race.

Impact on Real Madrid’s Title Hopes and International Scene

Sunday’s defeat puts Real Madrid fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona. Their next focus is to bounce back in the domestic league when they host Villarreal on October 10 after the international break. After that, they face a critical Champions League trip to face Roma in Italy.

Valverde’s injury also raises doubts about his participation in Uruguay’s upcoming friendlies against Japan and South Korea, ironically the country of Kang-in. This situation complicates matters for Uruguay’s manager Diego Forlan.

• Upcoming Fixtures:
• Deportivo Alaves vs Atletico Madrid: 10 Oct 2026, 17:15
• Real Madrid vs Villarreal: 10 Oct 2026, 22:00