Real Madrid turn on referee Ortiz Arias after Atletico derby defeat

Real Madrid have launched a strong attack on the officiating after their 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid, claiming referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias had a decisive influence on the outcome of Saturday evening’s derby at the Metropolitano.

The Spanish club published a match report on its official website under the headline: “A catastrophic refereeing performance decided the fate of the derby.”

Real Madrid highlighted a series of decisions they believed went against them during the match. They were particularly critical of an incident in the first half involving Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham.

The Atletico Madrid defender made forceful contact with Bellingham’s knee. After consulting the VAR, Ortiz Arias went to the pitchside monitor to review the challenge but opted to show Romero only a yellow card.

Real Madrid also argued that Kang-in Lee should have been sent off following a foul on Federico Valverde.

The controversy continued after half-time when Dean Huijsen was penalised for a challenge on Giuliano Simeone. Huijsen was initially shown a yellow card and Atletico Madrid were awarded a penalty.

However, after another VAR review, Ortiz Arias checked the monitor and changed the punishment to a red card. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty.

The club’s official account described the referee’s display as “catastrophic” and said it had determined the outcome of the derby.

Jose Mourinho echoed Real Madrid’s criticism during his post-match news conference, saying: “All of this was very strange.”

The Portuguese manager also questioned the decision to appoint Ortiz Arias for the fixture.

“He is not an international referee, which suggests that he does not really belong to the elite,” Mourinho said. “This poor man arrived here and was unable to handle the pressure.”