Dangerous tackle on Kylian Mbappé by Espanyol: the referee lies in his report

A few hours after the controversial match between Espanyol Barcelona and Real Madrid, the referee’s report by Alejandro Muniz Ruiz was made public. While a brutal tackle on Kylian Mbappé caused an unprecedented uproar, the Spanish referee explained why he did not send off Carlos Romero, the Espanyol defender.

Real Madrid once again complains about the refereeing. After an unjust defeat (1-0) against Espanyol this Saturday during the 22nd round of La Liga, Florentino Pérez’s club is struggling to digest some of the referee’s decisions. Criticised by La Liga and the entire refereeing body for his controversial decisions during this match, Alejandro Muniz Ruiz released a report that caused a major uproar among Madrid fans. Indeed, while everyone decries the leniency shown towards Carlos Romero, the Espanyol defender who committed a blatant foul in the 61st minute, the referee justified his decision.

The misleading or incomprehensible report

Although the Catalan defender himself admitted the severity of his challenge on Kylian Mbappé, the referee claimed he did not issue a red card due to the intent of the Espanyol player, who was challenging for the ball. “In the 60th minute, the player (22) Romero Serrano, Carlos was booked for the following reason: for knocking down an opponent recklessly while disputing the ball,” wrote Alejandro Muniz Ruiz in his report.

This report does not reflect reality at all. As with all Spanish and international media, and even La Liga’s official channel, we saw a player determined to stop the counter-attack of the Madrid side. Far behind Kylian Mbappé, who was charging towards goal, Romero made a dangerously reckless challenge that could have seriously injured the French attacker. At no point did the player who committed the foul while challenging for the ball apologise after the match for what he considered a “nasty” foul.

Knowing that the referee’s decision allowed the Espanyol player to continue playing and eventually score the only goal of the match, it is easy to understand the anger of Madrid fans. In any case, the damage is done. Now, the focus must shift to the future, and hope that Carlo Ancelotti’s team can bounce back from this defeat, which could weigh heavily on their season’s end.