The refereeing controversy continues to be a topic of discussion following the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis. In the 54th minute, a decisive action during the game sparked controversy: the penalty committed by Antonio Rüdiger on Jesús Rodríguez, a Betis youth player. This error cost the white team dearly, as they saw the victory slip away, along with the second position in the La Liga standings.
Rüdiger's Penalty: A Clear Foul
The play in question occurred when Jesús Rodríguez was advancing toward the Madrid goal, being brought down by Rüdiger. According to many, it was a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and the Real Madrid center-back acted to prevent it illegally.
For Iturralde González, a former First Division referee, there was no doubt about the seriousness of the action. "Being a push from behind, it has to be a red card," assured the former referee.
Criticism of the Refereeing Performance
The former referee didn't stop with this statement. After the match, Iturralde insisted on the lack of decisiveness by the main referee, Hernández Hernández. Iturralde said that the referee's report, by mentioning "a clear goal-scoring opportunity," confirmed the red card.
Iturralde was blunt: "I don't know how the VAR doesn't call him to review the play and send off the player." For him, the play was so clear that he couldn't understand why it wasn't reviewed.
The Referee's Fear and Controversial Decisions
Throughout his intervention, Iturralde didn't just focus on Rüdiger's action. He also expressed his bewilderment about other decisions in the match. In particular, he showed his surprise at the attitude of Hernández Hernández, who, according to him, seemed to be "very whistle-happy," suggesting that the referee was trying to control the match with questionable decisions.
"I think he's afraid of losing control of the match," noted Iturralde, criticizing the referee for not applying clearer criteria.
At another point in the match, a clash between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ricardo Rodríguez in the Real Madrid area was also controversial. However, Iturralde considered that the play didn't justify a penalty, stating that "it's a soccer clash, something insufficient to call the eleven meters." This assessment was more favorable for the white team, contrasting with his harshness toward Rüdiger.
A Plea in Defense of Spanish Refereeing
Despite the criticisms toward the match referee, Iturralde also wanted to make a call in defense of the quality of refereeing in Spain. He mentioned Alberola Rojas, one of the country's most outstanding referees, who was recently called by CONMEBOL for a youth tournament.
"They take away one of the best referees with everything at stake in Spanish soccer," lamented Iturralde, assuring that his absence is a setback for the national competition.