Mourinho complained about refereeing after Atlético derby — Cyprus Mail
In the Madrid derby, Real lost to Atlético 1–2, after which Real coach José Mourinho sharply criticized the referees’ work. As Cyprus Mail reports, at the press conference he showed photographs of two first-half incidents and said that the referees had lost control of the match.
Complaints about the referees
Mourinho believed that Atlético defender Cristian Romero should have been sent off for stepping on Jude Bellingham. Real also raised complaints about Lee Kang-in’s actions in an incident involving Federico Valverde. According to the Portuguese coach, both moments warranted red cards.
Real’s coach also criticized referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias and those who appointed him for the match. Mourinho noted that the 41-year-old referee had no international experience and, in his opinion, failed to cope with the pressure at the stadium. He did not claim that the situation had been deliberately arranged, but said that he wanted to believe it was a mistake.
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Course of the match and Simeone’s response
Five minutes after the break, Real were reduced to ten men: Dean Huijsen was sent off for a foul on Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area when he was the last defender. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty with a low shot, and six minutes later Jonathan David doubled Atlético’s advantage. Late in the match, Antonio Rüdiger scored with a header following a free-kick delivery to reduce the deficit.
Atlético head coach Diego Simeone urged his colleagues to remain respectful in their public statements. He said that his team defended well and controlled the game both with equal numbers and after the opponent’s dismissal. Following the victory, Atlético moved up to second place with 16 points, one point ahead of Real and Betis and five points behind Barcelona.
