Mourinho criticises refereeing after Real Madrid loss to Atletico

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti erupted after his side’s 2‑1 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Sunday, brandishing printed photographs that he said showed two clear red‑card offences by Atlético players. In the post‑match press conference, Ancelotti displayed the images of a high‑boot challenge on midfielder Luka Modrić and a two‑footed tackle on forward Vinícius Júnior, both of which he argued warranted immediate dismissal. He added that the referee’s decision to issue only yellow cards altered the balance of the game, allowing Atlético to maintain their lead.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that the match officials reviewed the incidents but upheld the original disciplinary rulings, citing insufficient evidence for a retroactive red card. Atlético’s coach Diego Simeone defended his players, stating that the challenges were within the limits of the sport. The controversy has reignited debate over the use of video‑assistant referees in La Liga, with both clubs awaiting any potential appeal or further clarification from the league’s disciplinary committee.