ormer referee Pavel Fernandez has expressed his disagreement regarding Federico Valverde’s red card in Real Madrid’s 3–2 victory over Atletico Madrid.
The controversial incident occurred in the 77th minute of the Matchday 29 La Liga clash, when the Uruguayan midfielder tackled Alex Baena from behind in the middle of the pitch. Referee Jose Munuera Montero immediately punished him with a red card, while VAR did not intervene to review the decision.
Fernandez, however, believes the decision was harsh and that the punishment did not match the nature of the challenge.
“The Uruguayan makes a very cynical challenge on Baena without attempting to play the ball. But to be honest, I don’t see excessive force or a risk of causing injury. This is a yellow card,” he stated.
Real Madrid played with one player less from the 77th minute, but still managed to maintain their 3–2 lead and secure all three points in the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu.
As a result, Real remain in the title race in La Liga, sitting four points behind Barcelona while waiting for a slip-up from the Blaugrana side.
