La Liga Refereeing Body Admits Mistake in Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Derby Over Lee Kang-in's Challenge

The La Liga Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has acknowledged a major officiating error during Atletico Madrid's intense 2-1 win against Real Madrid. The match official, Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, along with the VAR team, failed to issue a red card to Lee Kang-in for a dangerous tackle on Real's captain, Federico Valverde, which caused severe ankle trauma.

CTA Confirms Lee Kang-in Should Have Been Sent Off

According to AS, the CTA admitted that Lee deserved a dismissal for his reckless challenge. Despite clear visibility of the incident by referee Ortiz Arias, no foul was called and VAR chose not to intervene. Valverde suffered serious damage to his left ankle due to the studs of the South Korean player. Real Madrid’s medical staff later confirmed the extent of the injury, increasing the club’s frustration over the refereeing decisions.

Other VAR Decisions Scrutinized

The committee also reviewed two other notable moments from the Metropolitano clash. They supported the late VAR decision to send off Dean Huijsen for a professional foul on Giuliano Simeone. On the other hand, they described the choice to keep Cristian Romero on the field after a dangerous tackle on Jude Bellingham as confusing, agreeing with the referee’s controversial call.

Jose Mourinho Criticizes Officiating

"The referee had no experience to officiate a derby. He’s 41 years old. He’s a poor referee who’s only ever done minor matches," Mourinho said after the match. "Congratulations to the refereeing committee for this appointment. But Mr. Trujillo (VAR official) does have a history with Real Madrid—in the Cup, in Girona, Osasuna. He’s a VAR official with a lot of history."

Mourinho’s anger came after seeing Romero avoid a red card despite catching Bellingham’s knee in a tackle. The Portuguese coach blamed both the referee and VAR official Daniel Jesus Trujillo Suarez for the inconsistent decisions.

Flaws in VAR and Refereeing Highlighted

The Madrid derby was overshadowed by these glaring mistakes. Arias initially booked Bellingham for the collision with Romero, but VAR reversed the call, revealing the referee’s poor game reading. Yet, the failure to review Lee Kang-in’s dangerous tackle on Valverde stands as the most damaging error of the weekend.

The CTA's admission offers little relief to Real Madrid. Valverde has been vital for Mourinho this season, playing every match and scoring in the Champions League. His injury creates a big gap in midfield for a team already trailing in the league.

Impact on Title Race and Upcoming Fixtures

After Sunday’s loss, Real Madrid sits fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona. Their focus now shifts to bouncing back, with a home game against Villarreal scheduled for October 10 following the international break. Afterward, they face a crucial Champions League away match against Roma.

Valverde’s International Future in Doubt

The injury also threatens Valverde’s participation in upcoming friendlies for Uruguay against Japan and, ironically, South Korea, led by Lee Kang-in. This poses a significant problem for national team coach Diego Forlan.

La Liga Fixtures:

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