Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has sparked widespread discussion after arriving at his post match press conference with printed photographs of two controversial incidents he believed should have resulted in red cards during his side’s 2 1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Portuguese manager used the images to make his case that key refereeing decisions had influenced the outcome of the heated Madrid derby at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Mourinho pointed to two first half incidents involving Atletico Madrid players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang in. He argued that both challenges deserved straight red cards and questioned what might have happened if Atletico had been reduced to nine players...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Holding up the photographs during the press conference, Mourinho said the images effectively told the story of the match and argued that Real Madrid had been placed at a significant disadvantage by the officiating.
The controversy began with an incident involving Romero and Jude Bellingham. Mourinho believed Romero’s challenge on the England midfielder warranted a red card. The referee initially showed Bellingham a yellow card before a VAR review resulted in the card being overturned and Romero receiving a yellow instead.
Mourinho also highlighted a challenge involving Lee Kang in and Federico Valverde, which he believed was another dismissal offence. The Real Madrid manager maintained that the two incidents should have left Atletico playing with nine men.
The situation became even more complicated for Real Madrid early in the second half when defender Dean Huijsen was sent off after bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area. Atletico were awarded a penalty, which Alejandro Grimaldo converted to give the home side the lead.
Jonathan David then doubled Atletico’s advantage six minutes later before Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid with a late header. Atletico ultimately held on to secure a 2 1 victory.
Mourinho was particularly critical of referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, questioning his experience and ability to handle the intense atmosphere surrounding a Madrid derby. He also questioned the decision making surrounding the referee’s appointment.
Despite his frustration, Mourinho praised his players for their first half performance, saying they showed character and quality despite the circumstances surrounding the match.
The defeat was another setback for Real Madrid in the early stages of the La Liga season and left them six points behind leaders Barcelona after seven matches. Atletico moved above their city rivals in the table following the victory.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone took a different approach when asked about Mourinho’s criticism, urging respect for referees and focusing instead on his team’s performance.
The dramatic aftermath of the derby has ensured that attention remains firmly on the refereeing decisions, with Mourinho’s unusual decision to bring printed evidence to his press conference adding another chapter to one of the most heated rivalries in Spanish football.
